Legal Definitions - mace-greff

The term mace-greff is a historical legal term referring to a person who buys stolen goods. It particularly emphasized individuals who knowingly purchased stolen food items.

Here are some examples illustrating the concept of a mace-greff:

• Example 1: The Discounted Delicacies
  Imagine a small, independent restaurant owner who is approached by an individual offering large quantities of premium steaks and specialty cheeses at an unbelievably low price, far below wholesale cost. The seller has no official company uniform, delivery truck, or proper invoices. Despite these clear red flags, and a strong suspicion that the goods were stolen from a larger food distributor, the restaurant owner proceeds with the purchase to save money. In this scenario, the restaurant owner would historically be considered a mace-greff because they knowingly purchased stolen food.

• Example 2: The Unlicensed Electronics Vendor
  Consider a person who regularly buys brand-new, still-boxed consumer electronics, such as high-end smartphones or gaming consoles, from an unlicensed street vendor operating out of a car trunk. The prices are incredibly low, and the vendor cannot provide any receipts, warranties, or legitimate proof of purchase. The buyer, fully aware that these items are likely stolen due to the circumstances and price, continues to make purchases. This buyer, by knowingly acquiring stolen goods, would fit the historical description of a mace-greff.

• Example 3: The Bargain Beverage Buyer
  A convenience store owner is offered several cases of popular brand-name sodas and snack foods by an individual who claims to have "found a great deal" but cannot provide any supplier information or legitimate paperwork. The price is significantly below the standard wholesale rate, and the store owner has heard rumors that this individual frequently sells items that have been pilfered from delivery trucks or warehouses. By choosing to buy these goods despite strong indications they are stolen, the convenience store owner would historically be acting as a mace-greff.