But the EA campaign had also led to strengthened anti-racketeering laws and stronger enforcement as well.

It is the first time the Government's anti-racketeering laws have been used against a securities concern.

Internet gambling is illegal in the United States, under a 1961 anti-racketeering law.

It is the first securities firm to have officers charged with violating the Government's stiff anti-racketeering laws.

Legal experts said the decision illustrated the frustration that prosecutors are encountering as they attempt to use anti-racketeering laws to make unions more democratic.

But the Dec. 21 sweep was the first to be performed by a new interagency task force wielding the power of federal anti-racketeering laws.

The suit accuses the defendants of unfair competition, fraud and violation of anti-racketeering laws.

Mr. Lynch, a Columbia University law professor, is an expert on federal anti-racketeering laws.

The suits also contend that the companies defrauded members in violation of the federal anti-racketeering law, which provides for treble damages.

He also called for a tougher state anti-racketeering law that would apply to political corruption as well as organized crime.