Racketeering Definition
The term “racketeering” generally refers to criminal activity performed as part of an ongoing enterprise. The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) is a federal law that allows for the prosecution of individuals who engage in racketeering activity.
Racketeering activity can include a wide range of offenses, such as bribery, extortion, money laundering, embezzlement, obstruction of justice, slavery, and gambling. In order to be convicted of racketeering under RICO, the government must prove that the defendant engaged in at least two instances of racketeering activity.
A “racketeer” is often someone who is associated with a criminal enterprise, such as a mafia-type organization. However, anyone who engages in racketeering activity can be prosecuted under RICO, regardless of whether they are formally associated with a criminal organization.
