... a virtual service that the perpetrator believed was real. Past sting operations in the narcotics space have involved fake drugs---flour in plastic bags. Pe

... a virtual service that the perpetrator believed was real. Past sting operations in the narcotics space have involved fake drugs---flour in plastic bags. Perpetrators who either bought or attempted to steal the fake drugs were convicted. One can debate the morality of stings in general, but I think the question of intent vs. reality is a settled question regarding legal precedent.