white-collar crime

American  

noun

1. any of various crimes, as embezzlement, fraud, or stealing office equipment, committed by business or professional people while working at their occupations.

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Other Word Forms

• white-collar criminal noun

Etymology

Origin of white-collar crime

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

McIver’s prosecution marks a rare occasion where a lawmaker faces charges for something other than a white-collar crime like fraud or bribery.

From Salon

He grew up in the Washington, D.C., area, where his late father worked as an attorney who specialized in white-collar crime and once represented President Nixon.

From Los Angeles Times

Do you think Tim would feel this doomed about his involvement in a white-collar crime in 2025?

From Los Angeles Times

Due to the amount of money involved, the group could face charges under the aggravated white-collar crime enhancement — a sentencing enhancement that allows a judge to add prison time for white-collar crimes, or nonviolent crimes like fraud or embezzlement.

From Los Angeles Times

The prison term was slightly shorter than the 21-year prison sentence sought by prosecutors, but is still unusually long for a white-collar crime.

From BBC