What does embezzlement involve?

Embezzlement specifically involves the unlawful appropriation of property or money by an individual who has been entrusted with that property. This crime typically occurs in a fiduciary relationship, where trust is placed in the individual to manage, protect, or handle the assets of another party, often in a financial setting. The essence of embezzlement lies in the betrayal of that trust, where the person misappropriates the funds for personal gain rather than returning them to the rightful owner.

In contrast to other types of theft, embezzlement is characterized by the individual’s access to the assets due to their role or position. This differentiates it from scenarios like taking office supplies or breaking into a building, which do not involve the same level of trust or legal responsibility. Additionally, embezzlement is not a legal method of obtaining funds; it is, by definition, a criminal act. Therefore, the correct answer highlights the specific nature of embezzlement as involving both trust and unlawful appropriation.