Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act

The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) is an American federal law. This law allows extended criminal penalties and civil actions for criminal networks. RICO means that the leaders of any group can be tried for crimes if they forced others to do the crimes or help with the crimes.

The RICO act covers these crimes:

Embezzlement
Bankruptcy fraud or other fraud
Obstruction of justice
Copyright infringing
Bribery

RICO started in 1970. Many different groups have been threatened with lawsuits or sued under this law.
Examples include: 
 Hell's Angels Motorcycle Club
 Los Angeles Police Department
 Michael Milken
 Some Catholic dioceses

References

Category:1970 establishments in the United States
Category:United States federal legislation