It relates to conspiracy to commit crimes, an element of extortion is always part of the allegation. The law targets Italians (and gangs) however it would be appropriate to apply to many other "Wall Street" and gov fraud cases as they qualify but I don't know that it is ever applied to them. In my opinion and those of many I know, it's an outdated law that can be pinned on almost anyone for almost anything and it carries harsh mandatory minimums where the convicted will often serve a life sentence even there is NO physical violence or drugs involved!
RICO NEEDS REFORM