The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, commonly known as RICO, is a U.S. federal law enacted in 1970. It aims to combat organized crime by allowing law enforcement to target individuals and groups involved in ongoing criminal enterprises. RICO makes it easier to prosecute those who engage in a pattern of illegal activity, such as money laundering, drug trafficking, or extortion. Under RICO, prosecutors can charge individuals for crimes committed by an organization, even if they did not directly commit those crimes. This law also allows for civil lawsuits, enabling victims to seek damages from those involved in organized crime.