What is the difference between smuggler and criminal?

[Esta]

Synonyms Lesson, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #113 "Synonyms for robber and burglar", question 5

This deserted ship was used by ......... many years ago. They stored here the goods they had taken illegally from one country to another.

(a) smugglers
(b) criminals
(c) bandits
(d) intruders

Synonyms Lesson, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #113 "Synonyms for robber and burglar", answer 5

This deserted ship was used by smugglers many years ago. They stored here the goods they had taken illegally from one country to another.

Correct answer: (a) smugglers
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what is the difference between smuggler and criminal?

Esta

[Conchita]

A criminal is someone who commits a crime (illegal act). A smuggler takes goods into or out of a place secretly. When smuggling is illegal, the smuggler is a criminal.

[Lost_Soul]

smuggling is always illegal
I'd say that a smuggler is a kind of criminal.

[Conchita]

It's true enough that smuggling is often illegal. But think, for example, of a celebrity trying to avoid paparazzi and having to smuggle out of their house. Or a child smuggling a pet into their bedroom (which they'd been forbidden to do). Now, I wouldn't call these criminals.