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18 U.S.C. 873: BlackmailText contains those laws in effect through Public Law 119-120 (October 7, 2026).
From Title 18-CRIMES AND CRIMINAL PROCEDURECHAPTER 41-EXTORTION AND THREATS
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§873. Blackmail

Whoever, under a threat of informing, or as a consideration for not informing, against any violation of any law of the United States, demands or receives any money or other valuable thing, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than one year, or both.

( June 25, 1948, ch. 645 , 62 Stat. 740 ; Pub. L. 103–322, title XXXIII, § 330016(1)(I) , Sept. 13, 1994 , 108 Stat. 2147 .)

Historical and Revision Notes

Based upon title 18, U.S.C., 1940 ed., § 250 (Mar. 4, 1909, ch. 321, § 145, 35 Stat. 1114).

Only minor changes were made in phraseology.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1994⁠—Pub. L. 103–322 substituted “fined under this title” for “fined not more than $2,000”.