What is the name of the criminal organization in the original Pokémon games?

The criminal organization in the original Pokémon games is Team Rocket.

Team Rocket appears in Pokémon Red, Green, Blue, and Yellow as a crime syndicate that steals Pokémon and pursues profit. Its leader is Giovanni, who also serves as the Ground-type Gym Leader of Viridian City in the original games.

The organization is encountered throughout Kanto, including at Mt. Moon, Celadon City, Pokémon Tower, and Silph Co. The player repeatedly disrupts its plans before confronting Giovanni. This serious game portrayal differs from the more comedic anime version.

The anime’s Team Rocket is best known through Jessie, James, and Meowth, but that trio is not the entire organization. Team Magma, Team Galactic, and Team Plasma are villainous groups introduced in later generations and different regions. Team Rocket’s first appearance dates back to the 1996 games.