noun
bribery scheme; acquisition maneuver
Refers to underhanded efforts to buy influence, secure a deal, or take over a company through illicit payments or inducements. Often used in political or corporate contexts.
政治家に対する買収工作が明るみに出た。
The bribery scheme targeting the politician came to light.
その企業は競合他社への買収工作を進めていると報じられた。
It was reported that the company was carrying out an acquisition maneuver against its rival.
Compound of 買収 (bribery, acquisition) and 工作 (maneuvering, engineering). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term is conventionally associated with underhanded business or political tactics.