Colluder

A 'colluder' is a person who secretly cooperates with others, typically in a deceptive or illegal way, to achieve a common goal. The core aspect of being a colluder involves conspiracy and participation in a scheme that is often unethical or against the law. This individual actively participates in a clandestine agreement, rather than simply being a passive observer. The actions of a colluder are often aimed at deceiving a third party, manipulating a situation, or gaining an unfair advantage. The colluder’s role is integral to the success of the illicit endeavor, contributing their skills, influence, or resources to ensure the plan's implementation and desired outcome, whether it’s for personal gain, political maneuvering, or damaging an entity's reputation.

Colluder meaning with examples

• During the investigation, the detective uncovered evidence that the company's CFO was a colluder in a fraudulent scheme. She’d been secretly providing insider information to a competitor, ensuring that their company would profit at the expense of her own. This conspiracy resulted in millions lost to her original company and the CFO's swift arrest.
• The whistleblower revealed the mayor and several council members were colluders in a bribery scandal, accepting kickbacks in exchange for approving lucrative development projects. The evidence showed they'd been communicating through encrypted channels, attempting to cover their tracks and misappropriate tax payer money. This ultimately led to their resignations and criminal charges.
• Historians studying the outbreak of the war found undeniable proof of the neighboring nation's government being a colluder in a covert plot to destabilize the region. They supplied funding and training to rebel groups. The neighboring nation's plot involved using those groups to start the conflict and further destabilize the region.
• When the news leaked, they were shocked that the popular celebrity and his personal assistant were colluders in a staged paparazzi event, with their goal to generate buzz around his new movie. The assistant leaked a fake location and time. The press was quick to point out that the story had been fabricated.