Racketeering: meaning, definitions and examples
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racketeering
[ ˌrækɪˈtɪrɪŋ ]
criminal activity
Racketeering refers to the act of running an illegal business operation. It often involves extortion, fraud, or other criminal activities that are conducted for profit. Racketeering is classified as a serious crime and is typically associated with organized crime groups.
Synonyms
crime syndicate, extortion, fraud
Examples of usage
- The mafia was involved in racketeering activities throughout the 20th century.
- Federal agents arrested several individuals for racketeering and conspiracy.
- She was convicted of racketeering charges linked to her illegal gambling operation.
Translations
Translations of the word "racketeering" in other languages:
🇵🇹 extorsão
🇮🇳 जालसाजी
🇩🇪 Erpressung
🇮🇩 pemerasan
🇺🇦 вимагання
🇵🇱 wymuszenie
🇯🇵 恐喝
🇫🇷 extorsion
🇪🇸 extorsión
🇹🇷 şantaj
🇰🇷 갈취
🇸🇦 ابتزاز
🇨🇿 vydírání
🇸🇰 vydieranie
🇨🇳 勒索
🇸🇮 izsiljevanje
🇮🇸 mútur
🇰🇿 қорқыту
🇬🇪 ძალადობა
🇦🇿 şantaj
🇲🇽 extorsión
Word origin
The word 'racketeering' originated in the United States during the 1920s, particularly in connection with organized crime. It is derived from the noun 'racket,' which itself has roots in the British slang of the 19th century, where it referred to a 'dishonest scheme' or 'fraud.' The term became associated with illegal business practices, especially those involving extortion or bribery. Racketeering laws were enacted to combat these illegal practices and related criminal activities, especially during the Prohibition Era when organized crime flourished. The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act was introduced in 1970 to address racketeering and organized crime more effectively, allowing for more severe penalties and the ability to prosecute multiple individuals involved in racketeering enterprises.