The 'The Secret Ingredient Is Crime' meme originates from the cult-classic British sitcom Peep Show, specifically from the season 2 episode titled 'Local Zero.' The character Super Hans, played by Matt King, utters the iconic line while showing off a chocolate bar he stole from a shop. The meme gained massive popularity online as a humorous way to admit to obtaining something through dishonest, illicit, or ethically gray methods. It is frequently used in gaming to describe exploits, in finance to joke about tax evasion, or in everyday life for small victories like using a coupon twice. The template's enduring appeal lies in Super Hans' chaotic energy and the deadpan delivery of a morally questionable confession.