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RICO

American  
[ree-koh] / ˈri koʊ /

noun

  1. Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act: a U.S. law, enacted in 1970, allowing victims of organized crime to sue those responsible for punitive damages.


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Neama Rahmani, a former federal prosecutor, said that to prove RICO, the prosecution must show the existence of not just criminal activity but an actual criminal enterprise.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 17, 2025

Under RICO, federal prosecution has frequently targeted public officials who use their office for personal gain, including governors, members of Congress, mayors, and state legislators throughout the country.

From Slate • May 21, 2025

All of the defendants were charged with violating Georgia’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations, or RICO, law, an expansive anti-racketeering statute.

From Seattle Times • May 8, 2024

The case filed under Georgia’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, or RICO, is sprawling, and the logistics of bringing it to trial are likely to be complicated.

From Washington Times • Aug. 25, 2023

The sprawling 19-person indictment alleges violations of Georgia's Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations, or RICO, law.

From Reuters • Aug. 24, 2023