Misappropriated Funds

Definition ∞ Misappropriated funds refer to money or assets that have been illegally or improperly taken by someone entrusted with their care or management. This act constitutes a breach of trust and typically involves the diversion of funds for unauthorized personal use or other illicit purposes. It represents a significant financial offense.
Context ∞ The cryptocurrency space frequently features news reports concerning misappropriated funds, particularly following exchange hacks, project rug pulls, or insider theft. The immutable nature of blockchain transactions, while offering transparency, also means that once funds are moved, recovery can be exceptionally difficult without specific legal action or advanced tracing methods. These incidents stress the vital need for strong security and accountability within digital asset platforms.