dirty cash
Laundering target funds
Dirty cash is money obtained through illegal means—drug trafficking, theft, fraud, corruption—that hasn't been laundered or made to appear legitimate.
The term emphasizes both the criminal origin and the risk of handling it: They found fifty thousand in dirty cash hidden in the ceiling.
Sometimes used more loosely for any ill-gotten gains.
- launderedCleaned with water
- drug moneyProceeds from trafficking narcotics
- illicitProhibited by law
- bribeIllicit payment for favor
- payoffCulminating benefit received
kickback · brown envelope · hush money · under the table · no questions asked · off the books · slush fund · offshore · front company · stash · briefcase · unmarked bills · smuggled · corrupt · greasy · tainted · crooked · embezzled