What does it mean for informants to be mercenaries?

The term "mercenaries" in the context of informants generally refers to individuals who are motivated primarily by financial gain rather than loyalty or ideology. When informants are described as mercenaries, it indicates that they are "paid professional informants." This means they have a transactional relationship with law enforcement or other entities, exchanging valuable information for monetary compensation. Their commitment is typically driven by the financial incentives they receive, making them different from unpaid volunteers or individuals who might show loyalty to a particular organization or cause. This form of informant engagement highlights the sometimes complex motivations behind why individuals might choose to provide information to authorities.