The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act—commonly referred to as the RICO Act or simply RICO—is a federal law that provides for criminal prosecution of racketeering activities as part of an ongoing criminal organization. 18 U.S.C. §1961. RICO is designed to address the infiltration of legitimate business enterprises by organized crime and other illegal ventures—such as laundry services, retail stores, restaurants, nightclubs, and labor unions—to commit gambling, money laundering, loan sharking, or extortion.

Under RICO, leaders of criminal organizations can be held liable for crimes they order others to commit, or assist them in committing, in furtherance of the ongoing criminal organization. Section 1962 sets forth three substantive offenses and makes it a crime to conspire to commit any of the three substantive offenses. Section 1961 provides definitions for terms used in the RICO statute. And section 1963 establishes criminal penalties, including imprisonment, fines, and criminal forfeiture.

The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) is a federal law that targets organized crime by allowing for the prosecution of individuals involved in ongoing criminal enterprises. Specifically, it addresses the use of legitimate businesses as fronts for illegal activities such as gambling, money laundering, and extortion. In Rhode Island, as in all states, RICO is applicable as a federal statute and can be enforced by federal law enforcement agencies. Under RICO, individuals in positions of authority within criminal organizations can be prosecuted for crimes they directed others to commit or helped in committing, even if they did not personally carry out the criminal act. The law is detailed in 18 U.S.C. § 1961-1968, with § 1961 providing definitions, § 1962 outlining the prohibited activities and offenses, and § 1963 setting forth the penalties, which can include imprisonment, fines, and the forfeiture of assets. While RICO is a federal law, Rhode Island law enforcement can cooperate with federal agencies in RICO investigations and prosecutions.