victimless crime

American  

noun

1. a legal offense, as prostitution or gambling, to which all participating parties have consented.

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victimless crime British  

/ ˈvɪktɪmləs /

noun

1. a type of crime, such as insurance fraud, regarded by some people as being excusable because the victim is the state or an organization, rather than an individual

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victimless crime Cultural  

1. A term sometimes used for various acts that are considered crimes under the law but apparently have no victim. One such crime is prostitution, which is viewed by some as a commercial exchange between two consenting adults.

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Etymology

Origin of victimless crime

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

“It’s also important to remember that cargo theft is not a victimless crime,” McDonnell said.

From Los Angeles Times

He said such theft was "not a victimless crime", adding that it triggered violence and abuse towards staff and cost retailers and customers £2.2bn a year.

From BBC

TfL says fare evasion is "not a victimless crime" and "robs Londoners of vital investment", adding that it was "committed to reducing the current rate of fare evasion to 1.5% by 2030".

From BBC

"Money laundering is not a victimless crime. It's associated with some of the most high-harm and violent crimes on the street," she said.

From BBC

"It's not a victimless crime. Somebody always pays the price for it down the line. And for us, it's the staff in here," she adds.

From BBC