The term for the proceeds or benefits derived from criminal activity is commonly referred to as what?

• A. Proceeds of a crime
• B. Fruits of a crime
• C. Ill-gotten gains
• D. Criminal proceeds

Answer: (B)

Fruits of a crime is the standard term for the proceeds or benefits derived from criminal activity. The idea here is that the illegal act is like a tree, and the money, property, or other gains produced by that crime are the fruits that can be traced, seized, or forfeited. This concept is central in forfeiture and confiscation laws, allowing authorities to strip criminals of the gains tied to their wrongdoing. While other phrases like "proceeds of a crime" or "ill-gotten gains" describe the same idea, the established term you'll encounter in statutes and case law is fruits of the crime. For example, cash obtained from a robbery or a vehicle purchased with illicit funds would be treated as fruits of the crime, subject to recovery or forfeiture.