The defendant(s) in violation to the Hobbs Act, 18 U.S.C § 1951(a), is a RICO Predicate offense because Section 1951(a) expressly makes conspiracy a crime. Because of the effect of 18 U.S.C. § 2, however, one who aids and abets the commission of a federal crime is treated as if “They” had committed the crime as a principal and can be charged under RICO if the crime is one set forth in Section 1961(1)(B)-(G). 35 (“aiding and abetting one of the activities listed in Section 1961(1) as racketeering activities makes one punishable as a principal and amounts to engaging in that racketeering activity.) ALL IN COMPOUNDING THE UNITED STATES JUSTICE CODE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA II.I.JI.U.S.J.C.II.I.JI. AZ FULLY ACTIVATED II.I.JI.H.I.A.II.I.JI. JI. I.