This is a ". defining element of organized crime that reflects in part the pluralistic, "melting pot" nature of American society itself." (Handbook of Organized Crime in the United States, 246) Furthermore, experts state that ".Organized crime in the United States has had, and continues to have, a peculiarly (although by no means exclusively) ethnic character: Italian and Sicilian, Chinese, Cuban, Colombian, Vietnamese, Nigerian, Japanese, and so on." (Handbook of Organized Crime in the United States, 246).

             The particularly ethnic character of organized crime in America is aligned with the factors implicit in immigration, which are often linked to a sense of community and trust within a certain ethnic group. The ethnic basis of organized crime in the country can also be related to the feeling of isolation and vulnerability of being an immigrant in a strange country and ".the difficulties immigrants have in finding legitimate socioeconomic opportunities, which may force them into crime as an alternative opportunity." (Handbook of Organized Crime in the United States, 246).

             Other factors that relate to the different ethnic types and variations of organized crime are the importation of criminal techniques and criminal values from the society of origin; which is a particular differentiating characteristic of the Russia brand of organized crime in the United States. .

             In terms of theory the second identifying factor of organized crime is conspiracy. This is seen as the only mode of communication and planning available to criminals. Conspiracy is also ". one of the critical elements distinguishing organized crime from all other crime. Conspiracy addresses the issue of how a particular criminal activity is planned. It is the operating strategy."(Handbook of Organized Crime in the United States 246) .

             The third theoretical aspect is more relevant to this study and will be shown to manifest itself in the various peculiarities of the different criminal groupings.