Study of Organized Crime Business-Type Activities and Their Implications For Law Enforcement

Identification and analysis of the character of organized crime's business activities will aid law enforcement agencies in applying RICO and similar statutes. Law enforcement agencies are often unsure of which type of activities fall within the scope of illegal business activities. The report describes indictment information and other public records in order to illustrate the type of activities that are illegal. Also, public records help identify techniques for discovering weaknesses in organized crime's attempts to conceal their activities. Experienced investigators and prosecutors are also interviewed to obtain useful information. The accumulation of data allows the construction of an inventory of activities that are characteristic of organized crime. Typical business activities that are legal on their face and other activities that are illegal outright as well as the types of service industries that are typically used in organized crime are described. Finally, suggestions are provided to help law enforcement officials satisfy proof requirements of RICO and its related State statutes. 5 appendixes.