Define an instrumentality in asset forfeiture.

• A. An instrumentality is a person who commits a crime.
• B. An instrumentality is any money found in a suspect's bank account.
• C. An instrumentality is property that played a role in committing a crime or facilitating illegal activity and is subject to forfeiture.
• D. An instrumentality is only intangible assets like digital currencies.

Answer: (C)

An instrumentality is property that played a role in committing a crime or helped facilitate illegal activity, and it can be seized through forfeiture. The idea is that the item itself—whether a tangible tool or an intangible asset—supported the wrongdoing, so it is subject to forfeiture regardless of the owner’s guilt. For example, a car used to transport drugs or a computer used to plan a burglary are instrumentality because they enabled the crime. This understanding is broader than just people or money in a bank account; the key point is the property’s role in the crime. It also isn’t limited to intangible items like digital currencies—tangible items can be instrumentality too if they helped commit the offense.