8.23 Conspiracy-Knowledge of and Association With Other Conspirators. Is a concept in criminal law which states that an individual can be held criminally liable for any criminal act they have knowledge of, and/or are associated with, other conspirators who are involved in an illegal act. This type of conspiracy can also be referred to as a "chain conspiracy" since the criminal act of one conspirator can be linked to another. It is important to note that knowledge is not always required for an individual to be held criminally liable for the illegal acts of others; an individual can be held criminally liable if they are associated with, or even merely present at, the scene of a crime. This type of conspiracy is often used to prosecute criminal organizations and gangs, as well as individuals who are suspected of being involved in organized crime. Different types of 8.23 Conspiracy-Knowledge of and Association With Other Conspirators. Include aiding and abetting, accessory after the fact, and vicarious criminal liability.