victimless crime

noun

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

victimless crime

/ 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

victimless crime

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of victimless crime¹

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

De León referenced the February meeting July 30 in a news conference announcing the results of the task force, saying the thefts were “not a victimless crime.”

From Los Angeles Times

Looting and vandalism of businesses recovering from Covid and trying to compete with online shopping is "not a victimless crime", the chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses told the BBC.

From BBC

Both Park and De León stressed that copper wire theft was not a “victimless crime,” challenging sentiments brought up in a February City Council meeting when the task force was put to a vote.

From Los Angeles Times

Police officers and investigators are less sanguine about Scurlock, noting at one point that bank robbery is not a victimless crime, even if nobody gets hurt physically.

From New York Times

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

From BBC