Destruction, alteration, or falsification of records in Federal investigations and bankruptcy
Official text prohibited actmental stateif conditionpenaltylegal term
Whoever knowingly alters, destroys, mutilates, conceals, covers up, falsifies, or makes a false entry in any record, document, or tangible object with the intent to impede, obstruct, or influence the investigation or proper administration of any matter within the jurisdiction of any department or agency of the United States or any case filed under title 11, or in relation to or contemplation of any such matter or case, shall be , imprisoned not more than 20 years, or both.
History: (Added Pub. L. 107–204, title VIII, §802(a), July 30, 2002, 116 Stat. 800.)
Simplified explanation
It is a federal crime to knowingly destroy, change, hide, or falsify any record, document, or object in order to block or influence a federal investigation, any matter handled by a federal agency, or a bankruptcy case. This applies even if the matter has not started yet but is expected.