What is the 35 crimes of racketeering 2024?

As a legal expert with extensive knowledge in criminal law, I'd like to delve into the concept of racketeering and the 35 specific crimes that are considered to constitute this serious federal offense in the United States. Racketeering is a criminal activity that involves conducting or participating in the affairs of an enterprise through a pattern of illegal activity. The term is often associated with organized crime, but it can apply to any entity that engages in a systematic pattern of crime.

The **Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act** (RICO) was enacted in 1970 to combat organized crime and corruption in legitimate organizations. Under RICO, a person or entity can be charged with racketeering if they engage in a pattern of criminal activity. A "pattern" is defined as committing at least two predicate offenses within a 10-year period, which could be related or unrelated to each other.

The 35 crimes that are considered predicate offenses under RICO are quite diverse and encompass a wide range of illegal activities. These include, but are not limited to:


1. Gambling: This includes illegal gambling operations, which can range from running a bookmaking business to operating a casino without a license.

2. Murder: The unlawful killing of another person, which can be charged as a predicate offense if it is part of a larger pattern of criminal activity.

3. Kidnapping: The unlawful taking or carrying away of another person against their will, often for ransom or other nefarious purposes.

4. Arson: The act of intentionally setting fire to property, which can be a predicate offense if it is part of a pattern.

5. Drug Dealing: The illegal sale, distribution, or manufacturing of controlled substances.

6. Bribery: Offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting something of value to influence an official act or decision.
7.
Mail and Wire Fraud: These are significant predicate offenses as they involve the use of interstate commerce to defraud victims, which can include scams, fraudulent schemes, or other deceptive practices.

In addition to these, there are other predicate offenses such as counterfeiting, money laundering, embezzlement, obstruction of justice, extortion, and more. Each of these crimes is serious in its own right, but when they are part of a pattern, they can lead to racketeering charges, which are among the most severe in the legal system.

RICO is a powerful tool in the fight against organized crime and corruption. It allows for the prosecution of individuals and entities for their involvement in a pattern of criminal activity, rather than just for individual crimes. This can lead to significant penalties, including lengthy prison sentences and the forfeiture of assets.

The importance of understanding RICO and the predicate offenses it encompasses cannot be overstated. It is a critical component of the legal framework designed to protect society from the insidious effects of organized crime and corruption.

The law defines 35 offenses as constituting racketeering, including gambling, murder, kidnapping, arson, drug dealing, bribery. Significantly, mail and wire fraud are included on the list. These crimes are known as "predicate" offenses.