illegal enterprise

[ɪˈliːɡəl ˈentərpraɪz]
nounpl: illegal enterprises
empreendimento ilegal
1. A business operation or commercial activity that violates laws and regulations
The police raided what they suspected was an illegal enterprise selling counterfeit goods.
A polícia fez uma batida no que suspeitava ser um empreendimento ilegal de venda de produtos falsificados.
2. An organized criminal operation conducted for profit
The investigation uncovered a vast illegal enterprise involving money laundering.
A investigação descobriu um vasto empreendimento ilegal envolvendo lavagem de dinheiro.
In Brazilian Portuguese legal and journalistic discourse, 'empreendimento ilegal' is the standard term used in official documents and news reports. In the USA, this concept is frequently discussed in law enforcement and organized crime contexts. The term has gained increased usage in Brazil with discussions of economic crimes and regulatory violations.
NYC Slang
dirty business / racket / hustle
Synonyms / Sinônimos
criminal enterpriseillicit operationunlawful businesscontraband traderacketeering
Antonyms / Antônimos
legitimate businesslawful enterpriselegal operationauthorized trade

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
empreendimento ilegal
Most common formal translation used in legal and journalistic contexts
Rio de Janeiro
negócio ilícito
Alternative colloquial term used in everyday speech
São Paulo
operação criminosa
Preferred in business and legal sectors
Portugal
atividade ilícita
Portuguese variation; slightly different emphasis on activity rather than enterprise

Related Words

organized crimeblack marketsmugglingfraudracketeeringmoney laundering

Related Idioms & Phrases

running a racket
shady operation
under-the-table business
illicit trade
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