Greetings.
Inspired by the 'How to create a Criminal Empire as a Mundane Thread'...
What are some of the more creative uses of magik for illicit gains?
Off the top of my head:
Protection
Spirits and elementals all the way-have one show up and trash a house or a shop, have an agent (watcher or metahuman) go in, mention 'insurance' and clean up, especially if your 'rates' are less than the cost of constant magikal security.
Blackmail
Watcher spirits and astral forms can follow a well-heeled mark and wait for him/her/it to do something they shouldn't (I figure most people do at some time or another). Any telepathic spells can also be used to probe for deep darks that can be exploited for a profit.
Drugs
Stimulate spells with high force, tailored for ease (willing subject, touch, etc. could be used). Sure the dealer-mage'd have to be present to administer the dose (probably using a placebo that's biodegradable (maybe very rapidly) that he convinces the user does the deed, not his spells), but for a really 'exclusive' client base, you could make a killing.
Prostitution
I'd stay clear of Mind Control and all, better craft Sensory Illusions, tailored for ease and the client's preferences. No stable to maintain, highly mobile business, low overhead-if you've got the mojo. Show up at the client's love-shack, find out what he/she/it wants, cast the spell, collect payment, leave and sustain for a set amount of time. Permanent sustaining foci could be used to tailor make magikal 'companions' that look, feel, smell, and sound real-with a personality and look the client chooses.
Highjacking
Astral form or spirit-check out the big rigs on the road (and the security present), and pick and choose the best targets. On a desolate stretch of highway-Stun the driver (lots of creative spell use for the poor driver-Chaos, etc.) or summon an spirit/elemental to stop the vehicle and show up with a vehicle to carry off the loot to the nearest fence. I can't imagine ALL shipments have tight magikal security.
More, anyone?
R