It is usually considered to be a distinctly Imperial entity, though of course other organizations of the Empire do not officially condone their actions.
Although criminal by its very definition, for untold years, local authorities in places throughout Tamriel have tolerated the existence of the guild for its role as 'crime regulator', as it does not tolerate competition or egregious conduct from its members (not to mention the personal financial benefits for authorities who play nice). The Thieves Guild is dedicated to the gathering and training of those who are stealthy and shadowy in nature. The Ragged Flagon, headquarters of the Thieves Guild
