What must be proven for someone to be charged with receiving stolen property?

To charge someone with receiving stolen property, it is essential to establish that the individual knowingly received or purchased stolen property for personal gain. This means that the person had awareness of the illegitimate nature of the property when they obtained it, indicating intent and complicity in the crime. The requirement for knowledge is crucial because it demonstrates that the individual was not merely an unwitting participant but engaged in a conscious decision to accept stolen goods, which highlights their culpability in the crime itself.

The notion of personal gain further reinforces the criminal aspect, as it implies that the individual intended to benefit from the theft, directly linking them to the underlying criminal act. Thus, for a successful prosecution, proving this knowledge and intent is pivotal in establishing that the individual played a role in the cycle of theft and receiving stolen goods.