A fence, also known as a receiver, mover, or moving man, is an individual who knowingly buys stolen goods in order to later resell them for profit. The fence acts as a middleman between thieves and the eventual buyers of stolen goods who may not be aware that the goods are stolen. As a verb (e.g. "to fence stolen goods"), the word describes the behaviour of the thief in the transaction with the fence. Fencing is illegal in all countries, but legally proving a violation of anti-fencing laws can be difficult.