misappropriation of public funds; embezzlement of public money
Refers to the illegal use or theft of government or public money by an official or employee.
A city employee was arrested for misappropriation of public funds.
The investigation into the public funds embezzlement case is progressing.
横領 is a general term for embezzlement or misappropriation, while 公金横領 specifically involves public funds.
背任 is breach of trust or official misconduct, often overlapping with embezzlement but broader in scope.
Compound of 公金 (public funds) and 横領 (embezzlement). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term is a straightforward Sino-Japanese legal compound.