I doubt that it has gone on since Wikipedia's beginning. nobody would have bothered in the early days. Still, it has doubtless happened a few times. I agree that it is often very difficult to detect, and there would frequently be "false positives", when an admin moved or switched ISPs for example. But any strange behavior by an admin is usually enough to set alarm bells ringing.

How can I trust you with the ability to criticize such a person? You can't apply a standard that they need to be such and such while you refuse to abide by it yourself. You lack the moral high ground here.

As do you, "Ottava Rima." We're all mad here.

Um, my real identity is well known and has been plastered here by many users no longer allowed to post here. If you are going to try and be clever, at least attempt to be accurate.

Or ignored by the community. Essjay, SlimVirgin, JzG, etc. come to mind. Some like Chris0 (now Prioryman) and Tony Sidaway get caught only to come back and act like silly with impunity. Your social reputation on Wikipedia outweighs any injustices you commit.