In the United States of America, racketeering is a type of organized crime in which the perpetrators set up a coercive, fraudulent, extortionary, or otherwise illegal coordinated scheme or operation (a "racket") to repeatedly or…
Racketeering, engaging in a pattern of illegal scheming and activity for profit. A “racket” is a fraudulent and often illegal activity that is often carried out by means of extortion or intimidation.
The federal government is using racketeering to go after a dozen defendants in the largest college admissions scandal ever prosecuted. But what exactly is it? We turned to a legal expert for answers.
Racketeering typically refers to crimes committed through extortion or coercion. The term is typically associated with organized crime.
Is Racketeering a Felony?Racketeering activity covers a range of crimes that involve committing, attempting to commit, conspiring to commit, or intentionally aiding, soliciting, coercing, or intimidating another person to commit a specified list of crimes. Among these, felonies include gambling activities, extortion, drug offenses, weapons offenses, murder, assault, prostitution, hazardous waste violations, securities violations, coercion, money laundering, arson, bribery, and forgery.Is Racketeering the Same as Money Laundering?Money laundering involves cleaning "dirty" money so that it appears as if it were earned legitimately when it was not. Money laundering can fall under the umbrella of racketeering if it is part of an organized scheme.For How Long Can You Go to Jail for Racketeering?Anyone convicted for RICO crimes receives a prison sentence of 20 years or more if they commit more serious crimes. Fines and penalties may also apply.