In the latest example of RICO's usefulness beyond prosecuting mobsters, a New Jersey federal judge has declined to toss out a racketeering suit claiming a group of physicians billed Geico for unnecessary or phantom medical procedures.

U.S. District Judge Joseph Irenas of the District of New Jersey on Sept. 14 denied defense motions to dismiss the case, which asserts violations of the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act.

“The complaint adequately alleges facts supporting the predicate acts of racketeering, namely, mail fraud in the submission to Geico of thousands of knowingly false … forms,” Irenas said.