Federal · Title 18 — Crimes and Criminal Procedure

18 U.S.C. § 3271: Trafficking in persons offenses committed by persons employed by or accompanying the Federal Government outside the United States

Felony

What this law says, in plain English

Federal employees or companions working abroad who engage in human trafficking or related conduct face the same criminal penalties as if the conduct occurred in the United States.

Read the full statutory text

Whoever, while employed by or accompanying the Federal Government outside the United States, engages in conduct outside the United States that would constitute an offense under chapter 77 or 117 of this title if the conduct had been engaged in within the United States or within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States shall be punished as provided for that offense. No prosecution may be commenced against a person under this section if a foreign government, in accordance with jurisdiction recognized by the United States, has prosecuted or is prosecuting such person for the conduct constituting such offense, except upon the approval of the Attorney General or the Deputy Attorney General (or a person acting in either such capacity), which function of approval may not be delegated.

Verify at the official source: Federal legislative text

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This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.