Networks of organized criminal activity involving extortion, protection money, bribes, contract killing, and corruption are called what?

• A. Mafia
• B. Art theft
• C. Credit card crimes
• D. Organized crime

Answer: (A)

Extortion, protection money, bribes, contract killing, and corruption describe the activities of a tightly organized criminal network with a formal structure and rules. This pattern is classically associated with the Mafia, a term used for such organized crime groups that operate with hierarchy, loyalty, and coordinated schemes. The Mafia relies on protection rackets to extract money from businesses, uses bribery to influence officials, and employs violence, including contract killings, to enforce decisions and suppress rivals, all within a network that shares resources and a code of conduct. While “organized crime” is the umbrella term for these activities, the scenario fits the traditional, well-known label of the Mafia, which is why it’s the best match here.