Abscam

[ ab-skam ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

the code name for an FBI investigation (1978–80) of bribery, involving members of Congress.

Origin of Abscam¹

Ab(dul Enterprises Ltd.) + scam, from the name of the business used as a front by the FBI

Weinberg was 56 and his wife 48 when the 1980 Abscam sting went down, whereas Bale is 39 and Lawrence 23.

The rules have made a large stunt like Abscam impossible to pursue today.

The FBI official who thought up and headed Abscam was John Good, another Bronx native.

Errichetti opened Abscam wide, and connected Weinberg to a whole host of U.S. congressmen.

They look like they came from the age of Abscam, and should have stayed there.

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