This manual is intended to assist federal prosecutors in the preparation and litigation of cases involving the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), 18 U.S.C. §§ 1961 1968. Prosecutors are encouraged to contact the Organized Crime and Racketeering Section (OCRS) early in the preparation of their case for advice and assistance. All pleadings alleging a violation of RICO, including indictments, informations, and criminal and civil complaints, must be submitted to OCRS for review and approval before being filed with the court. Also, all pleadings alleging forfeiture under RICO, as well as pleadings relating to an application for a temporary restraining order pursuant to RICO, must be submitted to OCRS for review and approval prior to filing. Prosecutors must submit to OCRS a prosecution memorandum and a draft of the pleadings to be filed with the court in order to initiate the Criminal Division approval process.