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 illegal to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity, which includes various crimes such as money laundering, drug trafficking, and extortion. Under RICO, prosecutors can charge not only the individuals committing the crimes but also those who are part of a larger organization, even if they did not directly commit the illegal acts. This law enables the government to seize assets obtained through criminal activities and seek civil penalties against offenders, thereby disrupting organized crime networks.