Lawyers, law enforcement officials and regulators say a sentence perceived as lenient could lead the public to conclude that rich and powerful criminals are dealt with lightly.

By 1983 Escobar's personal wealth was estimated to be US$2 billion, making him one of the richest criminals in the world.

If the penalty given Mr. Boesky is seen as too lenient, the public could conclude that rich and powerful criminals are dealt with lightly.

By then, in fact, they were the richest criminals in Moscow, and considered some of the most ruthless.

He is probably the richest and most successful criminal in world history.

However, instead of becoming rich or a diabolic criminal, Strine becomes an elaborate voyeur.

He was also loathed by those who felt he was simply a means for rich criminals to avoid the rightful consequences of their terrible misdeeds.

This is almost enough to build sympathy for lawyers who help exonerate rich criminals.

I track down rich criminals, find where they've hidden their loot, confiscate it, and then hand it over to Parliament, minus my hefty commission.

At the time of his arrest, Alfieri's personal assets were estimated at US$1.2 billion, making him the richest criminal in Italy.