When people in Colorado, and elsewhere, think of racketeering charges, organized crime syndicates typically come to mind. However, people who are involved with businesses and other organizations may also find themselves on the wrong side of such charges. This may be the result of alleged offenses that are committed in the same state, or across the country. Depending on the outcome of a case that will be heard by the Supreme Court of the United States, international dealings may also factor into, or contribute to, racketeering charges.
What is racketeering?
In general, racketeering includes conducting illegal business in an organized manner, operating an illegal business or using a legitimate business to conduct illegal activities. Under federal…show more content… The U.S. Courts for the 9th Circuit points out that the authorities must prove that at least two racketeering activities occurred in order to prosecute people for this offense. Furthermore, they must show that the acts had a relationship that posed a threat of ongoing criminal activity and that the acts were interrelated by distinguishing characteristics.
SCOTUS to rule
A case that will be decided by the Supreme Court could have a significant impact on future racketeering cases. The New York Daily News reports that the court will determine if alleged crimes that are committed internationally should fall under the purview of the racketeering statute. Previously, a judge ruled that the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, or RICO act, could not be applied to offenses committed in other countries.
The initial ruling, which will be considered by the Supreme Court, came out of a lawsuit brought against RJR Nabisco, a tobacco company, by a group of 26 European countries. In a civil lawsuit, it was alleged that the company, in connection with organized crime groups, controlled a money laundering scheme that spanned the globe. It was further alleged that some illicit money was laundered through financial institutions in New
