A racketeer is someone who participates in an organized business or scheme to make money or a profit illegally. This is a very broad category of criminal activity that includes a number of nefarious activities. Racketeers are usually involved in a legal business that performs illegal acts. The purpose of the legal business is to hide the activities that are criminal acts. The business can be anything including a legal gambling business. These illegal acts can involve murder, kidnapping, extortion, counterfeiting, money laundering, drug trafficking, prostitution, fraud, blackmail, bribery, gambling, arson, embezzlement, obstruction of justice, and many more. In all there are 35 different crimes that can fall under racketeering. In addition, a racketeer may also perform illegal acts intending to manipulate laborers such as those who are members of labor union. The goal is always to make a profit off the activities.