From Merriam-Webster Dictionary:

[Leghorn21]

2. I posted yesterday that I'm now going with "collaboration', k. Google def. includes it,

and I just find it...a more appropriate, more sinister word in this time of war.

Hyper-over-stated perhaps, but - that's just where I'm at now.

secret or illegal cooperation or conspiracy, especially in order to cheat or deceive others.
"the armed forces were working in collusion with drug traffickers"
synonyms: conspiracy, connivance, complicity, intrigue, plotting, secret understanding, collaboration, scheming
"there had been collusion between the security forces and paramilitary groups"