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. In Washington State, as in all states, federal RICO statutes apply. Under 18 U.S.C. § 1961, RICO defines racketeering activity and lists the various state and federal crimes that constitute racketeering. Section 1962 outlines the prohibited activities, making it illegal to invest in, control, or participate in the conduct of an enterprise through a pattern of racketeering activity, among other offenses. It also criminalizes conspiracy to commit these activities. Leaders of criminal organizations can be prosecuted under RICO even if they did not personally commit the crimes, as long as they directed or assisted in the commission of crimes in furtherance of the criminal enterprise. Section 1963 prescribes severe criminal penalties for RICO violations, including imprisonment, fines, and forfeiture of assets. While RICO is a federal law, Washington State law enforcement and prosecutors often work in conjunction with federal agencies to investigate and prosecute RICO violations.