The studied item must first have been legally obtained, not stolen or otherwise misappropriated.
en.wikipedia.org In this case, protection is also extended to investors whose securities may have been lost, improperly hypothecated, misappropriated, never purchased, or even stolen.
en.wikipedia.org In 1931, after an investigation, the corporation's license to sell stock was suspended on the grounds that stockholders' money was being misappropriated.
en.wikipedia.org However, the budget for the project was misappropriated, and the project ran out of money before the old building could be re-purposed.
en.wikipedia.org The allegations include new charges of misappropriating public funds, conflict of interest, falsifying public documents and secreting of public documents.
en.wikipedia.org