171 is a code that refers to article No. 171 of the Brazilian Penal Code, referring to the act of embezzlement, that is, deceiving other people to gain their own benefits.
Due to the content related to article 171 of the Penal Code, it was popularly agreed to use this code as slang.
When someone calls a person who 171, he is implying that this individual is a liar, bad character, and untrustworthy.
This slang is widely used among criminals themselves, when they accuse those people who participate in their groups or gangs of not being trustworthy.
Thus, a "person 171” is seen as a profiteer, who uses communication skills and sympathy only to achieve her own goal, regardless of the physical or emotional conditions of others.
According to the text provided for in article 171 of the Penal Code, it is classified as embezzlement in the case of: "obtain, for yourself or for others, illicit advantage, to the detriment of others, inducing or keeping someone in error, through artifice, ruse, or any other fraudulent means”.
The penalty for this crime is from 1 (one) to 5 (five) years of imprisonment, plus the payment of a fine.
Learn more about the meaning of embezzlement.