rack·e·teer·ing /ˌra-kə-'tir-iŋ/ n
1: the extortion of money or advantage by threat or force
2: a pattern of illegal activity (as extortion and murder) that is carried out in furtherance of an enterprise (as a criminal syndicate) which is owned or controlled by those engaged in such activity see also racketeer influenced and corrupt organizations act in the important laws section compare organized crime
Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary of Law. Merriam-Webster. 1996.