:: undercover operations that use proceeds from illicit cigarette sales to pay for the ATF’s costs. ::
Had to stop and consider this sentence for a moment.
This section of a legitimate agency is being funded by revenue from illegal sales.
How, then, is the ATF different from gang-bangers (or Al Capone for that matter?)
“How, then, is the ATF different from gang-bangers (or Al Capone for that matter?)”
It’s not, other than it’s “legal”.
Which is why I mentioned the RICO law - Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations act (originally used against the mob).