Legal Definitions - agent provocateur

An agent provocateur is a person who works undercover to encourage or participate in illegal activities in order to expose and punish criminal behavior. This can involve infiltrating a group suspected of illegal conduct or enticing someone to break the law and then informing on them as a lawbreaker.

• A police officer who poses as a drug dealer to catch buyers and sellers in the act is an agent provocateur.
• A government agent who joins a terrorist organization to gather information and prevent attacks is also an agent provocateur.

These examples illustrate how an agent provocateur can be used to gather evidence and prevent criminal activity. By posing as a criminal, the agent can gain the trust of those involved in illegal activities and gather information that can be used to make arrests and prosecute offenders.