Extortion

EXTORTION IS A CRIMINAL offense, generally described as obtaining something of value from one party by the infliction of harm, or the threat of that infliction of harm by a second party. Extortion is different from theft; in a theft, the item (a physical object) of value is usually taken without the owner's knowledge and/or permission, so no force is present.

Similarly, extortion is different from robbery; in a robbery, violence is either present or implied, not understood to be a future occurrence. Additionally, most robberies involve the taking of a physical object, not an abstract or immovable instrument, that is, a reputation, future business contracts, or occupancy of a building. Extortion often involves the payment of monies to ensure that violence will not occur, sometimes ...