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

The New South Wales government's environment department said that "the illegal wildlife trade is not a victimless crime", harming conservation and stripping the state "and Australia of its unique biodiversity".

From Barron's • Feb. 17, 2026

"The trafficking of counterfeit goods is anything but a victimless crime," New York police commissioner Edward A Caban said in a statement.

From BBC • Nov. 16, 2023

It is objectively wrong to punish two people for what amounts to a victimless crime.

From Washington Post • Aug. 5, 2022

And what about makeup application, a seemingly victimless crime?

From Salon • Aug. 29, 2021

It’s not a victimless crime, nor is it just another economic choice.

From Washington Times • Nov. 16, 2020