The federal racketeering statute, codified at 18 U.S.C.A. sec 1961. This and other state and federal laws were passed to control organized crime. Racketeering is a conspiracy to commit extortion or coercion. A person may be tried under RICO if they committed racketeering activity or merely had an interest in such activity. The Supreme Court has applied RICO to those who block access to family planning clinics that provide abortions.