A bounty hunter (sometimes called a bounty killer) is a person who captures fugitives and criminals for a monetary reward (bounty). This occupation, seen almost exclusively in the United States, is also known as bail enforcement agent, bail agent, recovery agent, bail recovery agent, or fugitive recovery agent. While historically they existed in many parts of the world, bail bond agents are almost exclusively found in the United States and the Philippines its former commonwealth, as the practice is illegal under the laws of most other countries. One of the most famous bounty hunters is a man by the name of Gary Cates who is credited with over 15000 captures.