Legal Definitions - sting

A sting operation is a tactic employed by law enforcement where officers covertly pose as individuals involved in criminal activity. Their purpose is to create a situation that allows them to identify, gather evidence against, and apprehend actual criminals who are committing or intending to commit illegal acts.

• Scenario: Undercover police officers establish a seemingly legitimate, but fake, online marketplace for stolen luxury goods. They advertise high prices for items like designer watches and electronics, attracting individuals who are looking to sell merchandise they know to be stolen.

  Explanation: This is a sting operation because the officers are pretending to be buyers of illegal goods (criminals involved in fencing) to catch actual criminals who are attempting to sell stolen property, thereby exposing their illegal activities.

• Scenario: A law enforcement agency sets up a fictitious construction company and solicits bids for a large, non-existent public project. They then accept bids from contractors who offer to pay kickbacks or bribes to secure the contract, recording these illicit offers.

  Explanation: This exemplifies a sting as the officers are posing as corrupt officials or business owners (criminals seeking bribes) to uncover and apprehend contractors who are willing to engage in bribery, which is an illegal act of corruption.

• Scenario: Police create a fake online profile of a vulnerable minor and engage in conversations with individuals who attempt to solicit illicit images or arrange inappropriate meetings.

  Explanation: This constitutes a sting operation because law enforcement agents are posing as a potential victim (or someone representing one) to identify and apprehend individuals who are attempting to commit crimes related to child exploitation, catching them in the act of solicitation.