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Bagman, Bag Man, Packman

Vivienne14

Kentish Brummie Moderator
Staff member
I had to look up the definition of this occupation portrayed in these cartoons and found (according to Wikipaedia) it is:


"In British usage, "bagman" is a term for a traveling salesman, first known from 1808.

However, many other definitions center around money. People involved in political fundraising, soliciting donations, or otherwise involved in the financial side of a political campaign may be referred to as a bagman. This usage has led to an expansion of meaning to include those who solicit bribes for public officials

In organized crime, a bagman may be involved in protection rackets or the numbers game, collecting or distributing the money involved. When acting as an intermediary in such activities, a bagman may also be called a In organized crime, a bagman may be involved in protection rackets or the numbers game, collecting or distributing the money involved. When acting as an intermediary in such activities, a bagman may also be called a delivery boy or running man, and may receive a fraction of the money collected and may receive a fraction of the money collected"

Would never have guessed it.Viv



Screenshot_20230824_183640_Chrome.jpgScreenshot_20230824_183447_Chrome.jpg
 
bagman (plural bagmen) (informal) A person who collects, transports, or distributes illicit money, especially for the purpose of bribery, extortion, or the making of other improper payments
 
One of [Norman] Darbyshire’s tasks in Tehran was to act as Zaehner’s bag man, providing funds to recruit agents. “Vast sums of money were being spent,” he said. “He used to carry biscuit tins with damn great notes.”

‘Written out of the history books’: the British spy who planned Iranian coup' Julian Borger, Guardian Aug 15th 2023.

This is the 1953 coup which removed the prime minister of Iran and enabled the return of the Shah. John le Carré uses 'bag man' in this sense too.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2...-the-british-spy-who-planned-the-iranian-coup
 
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