The word implication has a different meaning, and in my opinion cannot be used in the case you provide. Implication (from verb to imply) can be used as follows: One fact implies some other fact; For example: there is smoke in the room, this implies there is a fire somewhere; Another example: the man's clothes is all wet; the implication is that he fell in the pool, or he walked in the rain! Hope this helps!

Yes, it can be. This is exactly the kind of question that sends me to a dictionary, and let me say that in my experience, the more English somebody knows, the MORE likely they are to use a dictionary. In the American Heritage dictionary online, I am surprised to find that the FIRST definition listed is the one used in your passage. "1. To involve or connect intimately or incriminatingly: evidence that implicates others in the plot." The one I thought was the most common definition is actually the SECOND: "2. To have as a consequence or necessary circumstance; imply or entail: His evasiveness implicated complicity."

The most usual definition of 'implication' is the conclusion that we imply (or reason) from something. But I have learned something today (and yes, I'm a native English speaker) that there is another definition, which is 'the action or state of being involved in something' So yes, it looks like it's a synonym for 'involvement'.

Here are some examples of use, with the meaning of "involvement." "Simon Case’s implication in the scandal is the latest embarrassing twist in the tale for the prime minister."--British news website "President Hernández’s implication in drug trafficking..."--the Brookings Institution "The bunch of those hotel papers found in Gately’s desk proved, beyond all doubt, his implication in the despicable business."--Carolyn Wells