Long-term criminal activity conducted in a structured and systematic manner, with the aim of generating illicit income. The activities and techniques vary, often involving violence, theft, fraud and trade in illicit items or substances. Distinguishable from ordinary (or common) crime as follows: 1. Planned, systematic nature of criminal activity, 2. Involvement of numerous criminals acting in concert, 3. Diverse range of criminal activities and methods, 4. Scale of operations, ranging from regional to international, 5. Large turnover (billions of dollars, in some cases), 6. Pursuit of money and political influence, 7. Identifiable leaders.
Black’s Law Online Dictionary
