noun
taking part in a crime; participation
Refers to the act of being involved in a crime, often as a minor participant. Derived from the idiom 片棒を担ぐ.
See also: 片棒を担ぐ
彼は強盗の片棒担ぎをした。
He took part in the robbery.
noun
partner in crime; accomplice
Refers to a person who is an accomplice in a crime.
警察は彼の片棒担ぎも逮捕した。
The police also arrested his accomplice.
From 片棒 (one end of a pole carried by two people) + 担ぎ (carrying), originally referring to sharing a burden, later specialized to criminal participation.