The phrase "unwitting pawn" means someone who is being used or manipulated without realizing it. They are unknowingly doing things that benefit someone else's purposes or agenda. Full definition
With his back to the wall, Lorenzo schemes desperate downâ $ andâ $ outers of an inner - city mission to serve as unwitting pawns in Lorenzo's fastâ $ track scam to come up with the needed cash. (tubitv.com)
A new crisis causes Eric to reflect on an old mission; Lafayette uses fear to prove a point to Tara; Sookie may be an unwitting pawn in a plot by Russell Edgington, the Vampire King of Mississippi, to expand his influence; Jason rides shotgun with Andy on a drug bust. (rottentomatoes.com)
There's also something called «the rabbit's foot» that serves as the story's McGuffin, and the necessary damsel in distress when Julia becomes an unwitting pawn. (killermoviereviews.com)