The law enforcement definition of organized crime is essentially a group of people usually at least 3 that gather and commit crimes for tensile purpose of financial and/or material gain . There doesn't have to be a chain of command, just as long as they're out there breaking the law with at least 3 people sharing in the crimes and fruits of said crimes . I have a friend who is a Baltimore Cop , and he was telling me about a series of drug busts that he took part in and a few of the perps had these payroll checks on them at the time they were arrested . After checking bank records the checks were being drawn on some 22 year old kids account . Turns out this kid was paying his drug runners (which he had all over the city) on the books ! He had them fill out W2's and everything , so he ended up going from simple corner drug boy to OC . Funny thing is the usual thing that keeps these dealers behind bars long term is the tax evasion . This guy had that beat . Unfortunately for him though the Feds will be watching him for the rest of his life . Goes to show you , anyone can be considered OC