18 U.S.C. § 1961
As used in this chapter-
1 So in original.
2 See References in Text note below.
18 U.S.C. § 1961
EDITORIAL NOTES
REFERENCES IN TEXTSection 102 of the Controlled Substances Act, referred to in par. (1)(A), (D), is classified to section 802 of Title 21, Food and Drugs.Sections 2421-24, referred to in par. (1)(B), probably means sections 2421 to 2424 of this title, which are contained in chapter 117 of this title, the heading of which was amended by Pub. L. 99-628, §5(a)(1), Nov. 7, 1986, 100 Stat. 3511, by substituting "Transportation for Illegal Sexual Activity and Related Crimes" for "White Slave Traffic".The Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act, referred to in par. (1)(E), is title II of Pub. L. 91-508, Oct. 26, 1970, 84 Stat. 1118, which was repealed and reenacted as subchapter II of chapter 53 of Title 31, Money and Finance, by Pub. L. 97-258, §4(b), Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1067, the first section of which enacted Title 31.The Immigration and Nationality Act, referred to in par. (1)(F), is act June 27, 1952, ch. 477, 66 Stat. 163, as amended, which is classified principally to chapter 12 (§1101 et seq.) of Title 8, Aliens and Nationality. Sections 274, 277, and 278 of the Act are classified to sections 1324, 1327, and 1328 of Title 8, respectively. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1101 of Title 8 and Tables.The effective date of this chapter, referred to in par. (5), is Oct. 15, 1970.
AMENDMENTS2022-Par. (1)(B). Pub. L. 117-159 inserted "section 932 (relating to straw purchasing), section 933 (relating to trafficking in firearms)," before "section 1028".2016-Par. (1). Pub. L. 114-153 inserted "sections 1831 and 1832 (relating to economic espionage and theft of trade secrets)," before "section 1951".2013-Par. (1)(B). Pub. L. 113-4 inserted "section 1351 (relating to fraud in foreign labor contracting)," before "section 1425". 2006-Par. (1)(B). Pub. L. 109-177 inserted "section 1960 (relating to illegal money transmitters)," before "sections 2251". Pub. L. 109-164 substituted "1581-1592" for "1581-1591". 2004-Par. (1)(B). Pub. L. 108-458 inserted "sections 175-178 (relating to biological weapons), sections 229-229F (relating to chemical weapons), section 831 (relating to nuclear materials)," before "(C) any act which is indictable under title 29". 2003-Par. (1)(B). Pub. L. 108-193 which directed amendment of par. (1)(A) of this section by substituting "sections 1581-1591 (relating to peonage, slavery, and trafficking in persons)." for "sections 1581-1588 (relating to peonage and slavery)", was executed by making the substitution in par. (1)(B) to reflect the probable intent of Congress.2002-Par. (1)(G). Pub. L. 107-273 made technical amendment to directory language of Pub. L. 107-56. See 2001 Amendment note below.2001-Par. (1)(G). Pub. L. 107-56 as amended by Pub. L. 107-273 which directed addition of cl. (G) before period at end, was executed by making the addition before the semicolon at end to reflect the probable intent of Congress.1996-Par. (1)(B). Pub. L. 104-294, §604(b)(6), amended directory language of Pub. L. 103-322, §160001(f). See 1994 Amendment note below. Pub. L. 104-294, §601(i)(3), substituted "2260" for "2258". Pub. L. 104-208 struck out "if the act indictable under section 1028 was committed for the purpose of financial gain" before ", section 1029", inserted "section 1425 (relating to the procurement of citizenship or nationalization unlawfully), section 1426 (relating to the reproduction of naturalization or citizenship papers), section 1427 (relating to the sale of naturalization or citizenship papers)," after "section 1344 (relating to financial institution fraud),", struck out "if the act indictable under section 1542 was committed for the purpose of financial gain" before ", section 1543", "if the act indictable under section 1543 was committed for the purpose of financial gain" before ", section 1544", "if the act indictable under section 1544 was committed for the purpose of financial gain" before ", section 1546", and "if the act indictable under section 1546 was committed for the purpose of financial gain" before ", sections 1581-1588". Pub. L. 104-153 inserted ", section 2318 (relating to trafficking in counterfeit labels for phonorecords, computer programs or computer program documentation or packaging and copies of motion pictures or other audiovisual works), section 2319 (relating to criminal infringement of a copyright), section 2319A (relating to unauthorized fixation of and trafficking in sound recordings and music videos of live musical performances), section 2320 (relating to trafficking in goods or services bearing counterfeit marks)" after "sections 2314 and 2315 (relating to interstate transportation of stolen property)". Pub. L. 104-132, §433(1), (2), inserted "section 1028 (relating to fraud and related activity in connection with identification documents) if the act indictable under section 1028 was committed for the purpose of financial gain," before "section 1029" and "section 1542 (relating to false statement in application and use of passport) if the act indictable under section 1542 was committed for the purpose of financial gain, section 1543 (relating to forgery or false use of passport) if the act indictable under section 1543 was committed for the purpose of financial gain, section 1544 (relating to misuse of passport) if the act indictable under section 1544 was committed for the purpose of financial gain, section 1546 (relating to fraud and misuse of visas, permits, and other documents) if the act indictable under section 1546 was committed for the purpose of financial gain, sections 1581-1588 (relating to peonage and slavery)," after "section 1513 (relating to retaliating against a witness, victim, or an informant),".Par. (1)(D). Pub. L. 104-294, §601(b)(3), substituted "section 157 of this title" for "section 157 of that title".Par. (1)(F). Pub. L. 104-132, §433(3), (4), which directed addition of cl. (F) before period at end, was executed by making the addition before the semicolon at end to reflect the probable intent of Congress.1994-Par. (1)(A). Pub. L. 103-322, §330021(1), substituted "kidnapping" for "kidnaping". Pub. L. 103-322, §90104, substituted "a controlled substance or listed chemical (as defined in section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act)" for "narcotic or other dangerous drugs".Par. (1)(B). Pub. L. 103-322, §160001(f), as amended by Pub. L. 104-294, §604(b)(6), substituted "2251, 2251A, 2252, and 2258" for "2251-2252".Par. (1)(D). Pub. L. 103-394 inserted "(except a case under section 157 of that title)" after "title 11". Pub. L. 103-322, §90104, substituted "a controlled substance or listed chemical (as defined in section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act)" for "narcotic or other dangerous drugs". 1990-Par. (1)(B). Pub. L. 101-647 substituted "section 1029 (relating to" for "section 1029 (relative to" and struck out "sections 2251 through 2252 (relating to sexual exploitation of children)," before ", section 1958".1989-Par. (1). Pub. L. 101-73 inserted "section 1344 (relating to financial institution fraud)," after "section 1343 (relating to wire fraud),". 1988-Par. (1)(B). Pub. L. 100-690, §7514, inserted "sections 2251 through 2252 (relating to sexual exploitation of children),". Pub. L. 100-690, §7054, inserted ", section 1029 (relative to fraud and related activity in connection with access devices)" and ", section 1958 (relating to use of interstate commerce facilities in the commission of murder-for-hire), sections 2251-2252 (relating to sexual exploitation of children)". Pub. L. 100-690, §7032, substituted "section 2321" for "section 2320". Pub. L. 100-690, §7013, made technical amendment to directory language of Pub. L. 99-646. See 1986 Amendment note below.Par. (10). Pub. L. 100-690, §7020(c), inserted "the Associate Attorney General of the United States," after "Deputy Attorney General of the United States,". 1986-Par. (1)(B). Pub. L. 99-646 as amended by Pub. L. 100-690, §7013, inserted "section 1512 (relating to tampering with a witness, victim, or an informant), section 1513 (relating to retaliating against a witness, victim, or an informant)," after "section 1511 (relating to the obstruction of State or local law enforcement),". Pub. L. 99-570 inserted "section 1956 (relating to the laundering of monetary instruments), section 1957 (relating to engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity),". 1984-Par. (1)(A). Pub. L. 98-473, §1020(1), inserted "dealing in obscene matter," after "extortion,".Par. (1)(B). Pub. L. 98-547 inserted "sections 2312 and 2313 (relating to interstate transportation of stolen motor vehicles)," and "section 2320 (relating to trafficking in certain motor vehicles or motor vehicle parts),". Pub. L. 98-473, §1020(2), inserted "sections 1461-1465 (relating to obscene matter),".Par. (1)(E). Pub. L. 98-473, §901(g), added cl. (E).1978-Par. (1)(B). Pub. L. 95-575 inserted "sections 2341-2346 (relating to trafficking in contraband cigarettes),".Par. (1)(D). Pub. L. 95-598 substituted "fraud connected with a case under title 11" for "bankruptcy fraud".
STATUTORY NOTES AND RELATED SUBSIDIARIES
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 2002 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 107-273, div. B, title IV, §4005(f)(1), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1813, provided that the amendment made by section 4005(f)(1) is effective Oct. 26, 2001.
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1996 AMENDMENT Amendment by section 604(b)(6) of Pub. L. 104-294 effective Sept. 13, 1994, see section 604(d) of Pub. L. 104-294 set out as a note under section 13 of this title.
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1994 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 103-394 effective Oct. 22, 1994, and not applicable with respect to cases commenced under Title 11, Bankruptcy, before Oct. 22, 1994, see section 702 of Pub. L. 103-394 set out as a note under section 101 of Title 11.
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1978 AMENDMENTS Amendment by Pub. L. 95-598 effective Oct. 1, 1979, see section 402(a) of Pub. L. 95-598 set out as an Effective Date note preceding section 101 of Title 11, Bankruptcy.Amendment by Pub. L. 95-575 effective Nov. 2, 1978, see section 4 of Pub. L. 95-575 set out as an Effective Date note under section 2341 of this title.
SHORT TITLE OF 1984 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 98-473 ch. III (§§301-322), §301, Oct. 12, 1984, 98 Stat. 2040, provided that: "This title [probably means this chapter, enacting sections 1589, 1600, 1613a, and 1616 of Title 19, Customs Duties and sections 853, 854, and 970 of Title 21, Food and Drugs, amending section 1963 of this title and sections 1602, 1605, 1606, 1607, 1608, 1609, 1610, 1611, 1612, 1613, 1614, 1615, 1618, 1619, and 1644 of Title 19, sections 824, 848, and 881 of Title 21, and section 524 of Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure, and repealing section 7607 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code] may be cited as the 'Comprehensive Forfeiture Act of 1984'."
SHORT TITLE OF 1970 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 91-452, §1, Oct. 15, 1970, 84 Stat. 922, provided in part: "That this Act [enacting this section, sections 841 to 848, 1511, 1623, 1955, 1962 to 1968, 3331 to 3334, 3503, 3504, 3575 to 3578, and 6001 to 6005 of this title, and section 1826 of Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure, amending sections 835, 1073, 1505, 1954, 2424, 2516, 2517, 3148, 3486, and 3500 of this title, sections 15, 87f, 135c, 499m, and 2115 of Title 7, Agriculture, section 25 of Title 11, Bankruptcy, section 1820 of Title 12, Banks and Banking, sections 49, 77v, 78u, 79r, 80a-41, 80b-9, 155, 717m, 1271, and 1714 of Title 15, Commerce and Trade, section 825f of Title 16, Conservation, section 1333 of Title 19, Customs Duties, section 373 of Title 21, Food and Drugs, section 161 of Title 29, Labor, section 506 of Title 33, Navigation and Navigable Waters, sections 405 and 2201 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, sections 157 and 362 of Title 45, Railroads, section 1124 of former Title 46, Shipping, section 409 of Title 47, Telecommunications, sections 9, 43, 46, 916, 1017, and 1484 of former Title 49, Transportation, sections 792 and 4555 of Title 50, War and National Defense, and former sections 643a, 1152, and 2026 of the former Appendix to Title 50, repealing sections 837, 895, 1406, and 2514 of this title, sections 32 and 33 of Title 15, sections 4874 and 7493 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code, section 827 of former Title 46, sections 47 and 48 of former Title 49, and sections 121 to 144 of Title 50, enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 841, 1511, 1955, preceding 3331, preceding 3481, 3504, and 6001 of this title, and repealing provisions set out as a note under section 2510 of this title] may be cited as the 'Organized Crime Control Act of 1970'." Pub. L. 91-452, title IX, §901(a), Oct. 15, 1970, 84 Stat. 941, is popularly known as the "Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act". See also Short Title note below.
SHORT TITLEThis chapter is popularly known as the "Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act".
SAVINGS PROVISIONAmendment by section 314 of Pub. L. 95-598 not to affect the application of chapter 9 (§151 et seq.), chapter 96 (§1961 et seq.), or section 2516, 3057, or 3284 of this title to any act of any person (1) committed before Oct. 1, 1979, or (2) committed after Oct. 1, 1979, in connection with a case commenced before such date, see section 403(d) of Pub. L. 95-598 set out as a note preceding section 101 of Title 11, Bankruptcy.
SEPARABILITY Pub. L. 91-452, title XIII, §1301, Oct. 15, 1970, 84 Stat. 962, provided that: "If the provisions of any part of this Act [see Short Title of 1970 Amendment note set out above] or the application thereof to any person or circumstances be held invalid, the provisions of the other parts and their application to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby."
RULE OF CONSTRUCTIONNothing in amendment made by Pub. L. 117-159 to be construed to allow the establishment of a Federal system of registration of firearms, firearms owners, or firearms transactions or dispositions, see section 12004(k) of Pub. L. 117-159 set out as a note under section 922 of this title.
CONGRESSIONAL STATEMENT OF FINDINGS AND PURPOSE Pub. L. 91-452, §1, Oct. 15, 1970, 84 Stat. 922, provided in part that:"The Congress finds that (1) organized crime in the United States is a highly sophisticated, diversified, and widespread activity that annually drains billions of dollars from America's economy by unlawful conduct and the illegal use of force, fraud, and corruption; (2) organized crime derives a major portion of its power through money obtained from such illegal endeavors as syndicated gambling, loan sharking, the theft and fencing of property, the importation and distribution of narcotics and other dangerous drugs, and other forms of social exploitation; (3) this money and power are increasingly used to infiltrate and corrupt legitimate business and labor unions and to subvert and corrupt our democratic processes; (4) organized crime activities in the United States weaken the stability of the Nation's economic system, harm innocent investors and competing organizations, interfere with free competition, seriously burden interstate and foreign commerce, threaten the domestic security, and undermine the general welfare of the Nation and its citizens; and (5) organized crime continues to grow because of defects in the evidence-gathering process of the law inhibiting the development of the legally admissible evidence necessary to bring criminal and other sanctions or remedies to bear on the unlawful activities of those engaged in organized crime and because the sanctions and remedies available to the Government are unnecessarily limited in scope and impact."It is the purpose of this Act [see Short Title of 1970 Amendment note above] to seek the eradication of organized crime in the United States by strengthening the legal tools in the evidence-gathering process, by establishing new penal prohibitions, and by providing enhanced sanctions and new remedies to deal with the unlawful activities of those engaged in organized crime."
LIBERAL CONSTRUCTION OF PROVISIONS; SUPERSEDURE OF FEDERAL OR STATE LAWS; AUTHORITY OF ATTORNEYS REPRESENTING UNITED STATES Pub. L. 91-452, title IX, §904, Oct. 15, 1970, 84 Stat. 947, provided that:"(a) The provisions of this title [enacting this chapter and amending sections 1505, 2516, and 2517 of this title] shall be liberally construed to effectuate its remedial purposes."(b) Nothing in this title shall supersede any provision of Federal, State, or other law imposing criminal penalties or affording civil remedies in addition to those provided for in this title."(c) Nothing contained in this title shall impair the authority of any attorney representing the United States to-"(1) lay before any grand jury impaneled by any district court of the United States any evidence concerning any alleged racketeering violation of law;"(2) invoke the power of any such court to compel the production of any evidence before any such grand jury; or"(3) institute any proceeding to enforce any order or process issued in execution of such power or to punish disobedience of any such order or process by any person."
PRESIDENT'S COMMISSION ON ORGANIZED CRIME; TAKING OF TESTIMONY AND RECEIPT OF EVIDENCE Pub. L. 98-368, July 17, 1984, 98 Stat. 490, provided for the Commission established by Ex. Ord. No. 12435, formerly set out below, authority relating to taking of testimony, receipt of evidence, subpoena power, testimony of persons in custody, immunity, service of process, witness fees, access to other records and information, Federal protection for members and staff, closure of meetings, rules, and procedures, for the period of July 17, 1984, until the earlier of 2 years or the expiration of the Commission.
EXECUTIVE DOCUMENTS
EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 12435Ex. Ord. No. 12435, July 28, 1983, 48 F.R. 34723, as amended Ex. Ord. No. 12507, Mar. 22, 1985, 50 F.R. 11835, which established and provided for the administration of the President's Commission on Organized Crime, was revoked by Ex. Ord. No. 12610, Sept. 30, 1987, 52 F.R. 36901, formerly set out as a note under section 1013 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.