R. Kelly was convicted of sex trafficking. Is his case a roadmap for Sean 'Diddy' Combs' probe?

Racketeering became a federal crime in 1970 under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, or RICO.

Over the years, its usage has expanded. It often is used against gangs, ranging from the Mexican Mafia to South L.A.'s Crips. Racketeering cases also have been brought against rappers associated with street gangs, including Young Thug, Kay Flock, Casanova, and Fetty Wap.

Federal prosecutors have succeeded in racketeering convictions not only against Kelly, but also against other sex traffickers, including NXIVM founder Raniere and Larry Ray, whose crimes were outlined in the docuseries "Stolen Youth: Inside the Cult at Sarah Lawrence."

But it is unclear what evidence the feds have against Combs and whether there is enough to bring charges.

Few details are available, other than sources saying investigators left his two homes with electronics, data devices and other records.

Legal experts have told The Times that evidence in sex-trafficking cases must be extensive as such charges can be hard to prove.

"Sex trafficking for adults usually involves some sort of coercion or other restraints," L.A. defense attorney Dmitry Gorin said. Prosecutors would need to show you "encouraged somebody to engage in sexual activity for money or some other inducement."

Aaron Dyer, one of Combs' lawyers, stressed in a statement released after the raids that "there has been no finding of criminal or civil liability with any of these allegations."

The mother of Combs' son Justin Dior Combs also slammed the investigation and the raids.

"The overzealous and overtly militarized force used against my sons Justin and Christian is deplorable," designer Misa Hylton said after releasing video showing federal agents dressed in military gear pointing a gun at Combs' sons. "If these were the sons of a non-Black celebrity, they would not have been handled with the same aggression. The attempt to humiliate and terrorize these innocent young Black men is despicable!"

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