colluded
Schemed with others
Colluded is the past tense of collude, meaning to cooperate secretly for fraudulent or illegal purposes.
The word implies deliberate conspiracy, often between parties who appear to be independent or even adversarial: The contractors colluded to fix prices, Officials colluded with organized crime.
Collusion is the noun.
Secretly planned wrongdoing together
- plottedSchemed or graphed
- schemedCrafted underhanded plans
- connivedSecretly cooperated in wrongdoing
- machinatedPlotted with cunning intent
cabal · intrigue · complicity · connivance · machination · confederacy · syndicate · cartel
Concealed from authorities
- covertIntentionally concealed
- furtiveSecretive and sly
- surreptitiousDone secretly, avoiding detection
- stealthySecretly cautious in movement
hidden · underhanded · backroom · behind closed doors · under the table · back-channel · off-the-record · hush-hush
Corrupt payment for influence
- corruptionDishonest abuse of power
- fraudIntentional criminal trickery
- embezzlementFraudulent taking of entrusted assets
- racketeeringConducting illegal business schemes
money laundering · extortion · kickback · insider trading · antitrust · obstruction of justice · price-fixing · bid-rigging
conspired
Secretly planned wrongdoing together
machinated · cabal · intrigue · complicity · connivance · machination · confederacy · syndicate · cartel · cahoots
clandestine
Concealed from authorities
- covertIntentionally concealed
- furtiveSecretive and sly
- surreptitiousDone secretly, avoiding detection
stealthy · hidden · underhanded · backroom · behind closed doors · under the table · back-channel · off-the-record · hush-hush · whispered
bribery
Corrupt payment for influence
- corruptionDishonest abuse of power
- fraudIntentional criminal trickery
- embezzlementFraudulent taking of entrusted assets
racketeering · money laundering · extortion · kickback · insider trading · antitrust · obstruction of justice · price-fixing · bid-rigging · market manipulation