Notice: The uscode.house.gov website is currently operating in a temporary format. While the United States Code remains available from its authoritative source, some website features and functionality are temporarily unavailable.
The United States Code Online is current through Public Law 119-120 (October 7, 2026).
Search & Browse Currency and Updating Classification Tables Popular Name Tool Positive Law Codification Editorial Reclassification Downloads
18 U.S.C. 957: Possession of property in aid of foreign governmentText contains those laws in effect through Public Law 119-120 (October 7, 2026).
From Title 18-CRIMES AND CRIMINAL PROCEDURECHAPTER 45-FOREIGN RELATIONS

§957. Possession of property in aid of foreign government

Whoever, in aid of any foreign government, knowingly and willfully possesses or controls any property or papers used or designed or intended for use in violating any penal statute, or any of the rights or obligations of the United States under any treaty or the law of nations, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both.

( June 25, 1948, ch. 645 , 62 Stat. 745 ; Pub. L. 103–322, title XXXIII, § 330016(1)(H) , Sept. 13, 1994 , 108 Stat. 2147 .)

Historical and Revision Notes

Based on title 18, U.S.C., 1940 ed. § 98 (June 15, 1917, ch. 30, title XI, § 22, 40 Stat. 230; Mar. 28, 1940, ch. 72, § 8, 54 Stat. 80).

Definition of “foreign government” was omitted and is incorporated in section 11 of this title.

Mandatory punishment provision was rephrased in the alternative.

Minor changes were made in phraseology.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1994⁠—Pub. L. 103–322 substituted “fined under this title” for “fined not more than $1,000”.