Extortion
From ArticleWorld
Extortion is the act of demanding money or a desired act from a person, and threatening him or another person known to him, of physical harm or revelation of ill-reputation if such demand is denied.
Extortion is an offense that is considered by the law as criminal and is punished accordingly.
Kinds
Extortion can be committed in many forms
- Blackmail-it is the act of threatening to ruin a person's reputation if the latter will not give in to the demand for money or a desired act.
- Kidnap for ransom- is another form of extortion as it threatens the safety of the person or another, if the demand for money is not given.
- Online extortion- It is prevalent now because of the popularity of the internet. All companies that have websites are vulnerable to this kind of extortion.
Extortion, no matter what the form it takes, is considered a white-collar crime. It is usually committed involving professional and government officers. It is also related to business and fraudulent transactions. It can be committed by a private individual or by a public officer.
Reasons
Extortion is similar to burglary but it has significant distinctions, particularly in the manner by which the thing demanded is given. In burglary, the owner gives his money unwillingly but in extortion, the owner gives his money willingly but because of threat and undue stress.
People give in to extortion for the following reasons:
- fear of injury for his person or property
- fear of injury for another person or his property
- fear of damaged reputation
An extortionist, once convicted, may face a stringent fine or years of imprisonment, depending on the prevailing laws in a particular state or country where the crime was committed. It also depends on the kind or nature of extortion.