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Government seeks $25 million forfeiture from 'Whitey' Bulger

BOSTON (MyFoxBoston.com) -- U.S. Attorney Carmen Ortiz claims mob boss James "Whitey" Bulger made $25 million in the racketeering acts he was found guilty of committing.

In a money judgement released Friday, the U.S. Attorney's office referenced a chart that breaks down the amount of proceeds Bulger is accused of receiving from racketeering acts.

The highest sum came from former associates in a drug distribution operation in which Bulger's group allegedly netted more than $20 million between 1980 and 1986.

Prosecutors are seeking the forfeiture of the entire $25 million, noting that this number reflects the gross income from the racketeering acts, not necessarily Bulger's profits. They refer to a decision by Congress to add the term "proceeds" rather than "profits" in the case of RICO forfeiture so that the government would not be overburdened in proving net profits.

Bulger was found guilty in August of racketeering and conspiracy. Prior to his conviction, Bulger's defense team waived his right for the jury to determine the forfeitability of his assets. The court will be left to decide the amount of money given to the families of Bulger's alleged victims.