illegal scheme

[ɪˈliːɡəl skiːm]
nounpl: illegal schemes
esquema ilegal
1. A secret plan or arrangement designed to accomplish something unlawful or against regulations
The accountant was arrested for participating in an illegal scheme to evade taxes.
O contador foi preso por participar de um esquema ilegal para sonegar impostos.
2. A fraudulent or deceptive arrangement intended to obtain money or advantage through unlawful means
The police dismantled a Ponzi scheme, which is a classic illegal scheme.
A polícia desmontou um esquema de pirâmide, que é um esquema ilegal clássico.
The term 'illegal scheme' is frequently used in both American and Brazilian legal and journalistic contexts. In Brazil, it's often associated with corruption cases and financial crimes reported in the media. In the USA, it's a standard legal term used in law enforcement and court proceedings. The term carries serious connotations and is typically associated with white-collar crime.
NYC Slang
con game, hustle, scam, racket
Synonyms / Sinônimos
illegal operationunlawful planfraud schemecriminal enterpriseillicit arrangement
Antonyms / Antônimos
legitimate planlawful schemelegal arrangementhonest business

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
esquema ilegal
most common translation
Rio de Janeiro
esquema ilegal/cilada
cilada can be used informally for any deceitful scheme
São Paulo
esquema ilegal
standard usage in business and legal contexts
Portugal
esquema ilegal/plano criminoso
plano criminoso is more commonly used in formal legal language

Related Words

fraudembezzlementconspiracyracketeeringmoney launderingPonzi scheme

Related Idioms & Phrases

get caught in an illegal scheme
mastermind an illegal scheme
participate in an illegal scheme
expose an illegal scheme
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →