What does the acronym RICO stand for?

The acronym RICO stands for "Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act." This federal law, enacted in 1970, is designed to combat organized crime by allowing for the prosecution of individuals and organizations involved in a pattern of racketeering activities. It provides law enforcement agencies with the tools to target not only the individuals directly involved in criminal activities but also the larger criminal organizations that facilitate these actions.

The law enables prosecutors to pursue charges for a range of offenses that are related to organized crime, including drug trafficking, money laundering, and various forms of fraud. Additionally, RICO allows for civil suits and the possibility of significant penalties, making it a powerful tool for dismantling organized crime networks. Understanding the purpose and scope of RICO is essential for anyone studying criminal investigation, as it plays a crucial role in tackling organized crime comprehensively.