Organized crime was at a rise in the 70’s. The FBI was well aware of this matter, and t was brought to their attention because of such an increase. Congress realized this as well and found that organized crime was weakening the stability of the nation’s economy was at risk. Legitimate businesses and labor unions were threatened. Congress had its power to regulate foreign and interstate commerce, they enacted the Organized Crime Act of 1970. It was later titled as Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations, also known as RICO. “RICO prohibits the infiltration of legitimate organizations by racketeers where foreign or interstate commerce is affected. (Scheb 259)” SInce the creation of RICO started there have been many new crimes and new ways to criminally prosecute someone. RICO can take away any property that was used in any criminal enterprises, and the government can take the perpetrator to civil action if they have an enterprise of that kind. Criminal prosecution can happen if a person has received any income from a racketeering activities. Indirectly or directly it does not matter. Also, if a person is investing in any enterprise that engages in foreign or interstate commerce that is unlawful and not regulated. Second, it is unlawful to participate directly or indirectly of the enterprise's affairs through a pattern of racketeering (Sheb …show more content…
The activity of racketeering includes many federal offenses, as well as felonies. To convict someone of an organized crime RICO must prove the pattern of racketeering. Pattern of racketeering is proof of at least two of racketeering acts occurred within a ten year period. Predicate acts is also a useful tool because it demonstrates the pattern of the racketeering. The predicate acts must be related to each other and to the enterprise. RICO has now become the basis of prosecution against white-collar crimes and corrupt government officials