Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act: A United States federal law that provides for extended criminal penalties and a civil cause of action for acts performed as part of an ongoing criminal organization. The law's purpose is to combat organized crime.

Usage

• Proper noun:
  • The prosecutor built a strong case using the RICO statute.
  • The organization was charged under RICO for its pattern of illegal activity.

Advanced Usage

• "RICO predicate acts": Refers to the specific criminal acts (such as mail fraud or wire fraud) that form the basis for a RICO charge. These acts must form a pattern of racketeering activity.

  • The indictment listed several RICO predicate acts, including extortion and money laundering.

• "RICO enterprise": Refers to the group, association, or entity that is alleged to have engaged in the racketeering activity.

  • The prosecution argued that the corporation itself was a RICO enterprise.

Variants and Related Words

• Racketeering (n): The act of engaging in a pattern of criminal activity as part of an organized group.
  • He was convicted of racketeering and conspiracy.

Synonyms

• Anti-racketeering law
• Organized Crime Control Act (This is part of the full title of the law)

Related Phrases

• "To bring RICO charges": To prosecute someone under the RICO statute.

  • The federal authorities decided to bring RICO charges against the crime syndicate.

• "Civil RICO": Refers to the provision of the RICO statute that allows private parties to sue for damages caused by racketeering activity.

  • The company filed a civil RICO lawsuit against its competitor.

Noun

1. law intended to eradicate organized crime by establishing strong sanctions and forfeiture provisions