Part 7/12:
The Introduction of the RICO Act
In the late 20th century, U.S. law enforcement agencies faced mounting frustration as mafia activities continued unabated. Therefore, in 1970, the government introduced the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, a dramatic shift in legal approach aimed at dismantling organized crime.
RICO allowed prosecutors to charge individuals based on their association with those engaged in criminal activity, eliminating the need for direct evidence linking a boss to specific crimes. This comprehensive legal framework empowered law enforcement with tools to connect various criminal acts and effectively dismantle sprawling organizations, leading to a significant erosion of mafia power.