Extortion

Extortion is the practice of obtaining something, especially money, through force, threats, or the misuse of authority. It involves coercing someone to hand over property or provide a service against their will, typically by exploiting their fear or vulnerability. The threat can be of physical harm, reputational damage, or economic loss. The act is a criminal offense and violates principles of fair dealing and ethical conduct. It is often associated with organized crime, corruption, and abuse of power, creating a climate of fear and distrust.

Extortion meaning with examples

• The mafia boss was charged with extortion after demanding protection money from local businesses. He threatened to 'break legs' if they didn't pay up, using fear to maintain control and extract funds. The businesses were scared of retaliation, leaving them with little choice but to comply, making it a clear case of extortion.
• The corrupt police officer was caught in an extortion scheme, demanding bribes from drivers in exchange for overlooking traffic violations. He threatened to issue fines and impound vehicles if the drivers refused to pay. His abuse of power caused significant financial hardship to those targeted.
• During the hostage situation, the terrorists engaged in extortion, demanding a large ransom for the safe release of the captives. They threatened to harm the hostages if their demands weren't met, highlighting the coercive nature of the crime and the high stakes involved.
• The landlord was accused of extortion when he threatened to evict his tenants unless they paid inflated and illegal rent increases. He exploited their vulnerable housing situation and disregarded the legal limits. This act of extortion forced many people to find ways to pay.
• The hacker used malware to lock the files on a company’s server and demanded a hefty sum in Bitcoin to restore access. This digital extortion employed threats of data destruction and business disruption. The company had no choice, but it was clearly an act of extortion.