Racketeering Legal Action
In 2002 four major tobacco companies: British American Tobacco, Philip Morris, RJ Reynolds and Japan Tobacco International, faced legal action over their alleged involvement in cigarette smuggling. The civil action was taken under that Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organisations (RICO) legislation in the United States.
The cases allege that the companies ran 'smuggling enterprises' in which they orchestrated large scale smuggling and engaged in money laundering, fraud, negligence and other abuses.
US Cigarette companies liable for violating US Anti-racketerring statue (External Web Page)
The Final Opinion by Judge Kessler on the US cigarette companies liable for violating Federal US anti-racketeering statue. Press release 17 August 2006.
Latest Archived Items - access the rest of the archive here
Racketeering Legal Action (RICO) Introduction
Compiled by ASH, this is the Introduction to the Racketeering Legal Action (RICO) against four multinational tobacco companies.
Racketeering legal action (RICO) - Europe section
This document was compiled by ASH and outlines the Racketeering Legal Action (RICO) against the tobacco companies. This is the European
Section.
Racketeering Legal Action - Colombia
This document was compiled by ASH and outlines the Racketeering Legal Action (RICO) against four major tobacco companies. This is the section on Colombia.
