The RICO Act, or the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, was enacted in 1970 to combat organized crime in the United States. It allows law enforcement to charge individuals or groups involved in a pattern of illegal activity, such as drug trafficking, money laundering, or extortion, as part of a larger criminal enterprise. Under the RICO Act, prosecutors can seek severe penalties, including hefty fines and long prison sentences. The law also enables the seizure of assets obtained through illegal activities, making it a powerful tool against organized crime and corruption, impacting both individuals and businesses involved in such activities.