Money Laundering and Racketeering (RICO)

The "Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act" (RICO) originally was designed to fight the so-called Mafia, "La Cosa Nostra", and other traditional organized crime "families". Since its inception, it has been redefined and used to target many different types of criminal organizations such as street gangs, drug traffickers and more recently, legitimate businesses.

Today, RICO is less often applied to traditional organized criminal groups and frequently applied to individuals, businesses, political protest groups and terrorist organizations.

RICO and money laundering often go hand-in-hand. In general, the RICO statute makes it unlawful for a person to launder money generated by a pattern of racketeering activity. This includes the "concealment" or "use of funds" from an illegal enterprise.

Federal RICO/money laundering charges are substantially different from state charges. The rules differ and require an intimate knowledge of the substantive and procedural nuances. These differences require an attorney experienced in defending federal criminal cases.

If you believe that you are under investigation for RICO/money laundering charges, or if you have been subpoenaed before a grand jury, contact Marc Neff for a confidential consultation via the form below, by phone at or email Marc@nefflawoffices.com.