word of the day - deniability

Plausible deniability also Deniability is the term given to the creation of loose and informal chains of command in government, which allow controversial instructions given by high-ranking officials to be denied if they become public.

In addition, in politics and espionage, deniability is the ability of a powerful player or actor to avoid blowback by secretly arranging for an action to be taken on their behalf by a third party.

The necessary act is farmed out or delegated to a third party ostensibly unconnected with the major player. This can take the form of a private person or mercenary being hired to carry out a task, or a government or agency being asked or compelled to do you a quiet favor.

Source: Wikipedia