Compromise of customs liabilities
Official text prohibited actmental stateif conditionpenaltylegal term
Whoever, being an officer of the United States, without lawful authority compromises or abates or to compromise or abate any claim of the United States arising under the customs laws for any fine, penalty or forfeiture, or in any manner relieves or to relieve any person, vessel, vehicle, merchandise or baggage therefrom, shall be or imprisoned not more than two years, or both.
History: (June 25, 1948, ch. 645, 62 Stat. 793 (PDF, 39 MB); Pub. L. 103–322, title XXXIII, §330016(1)(K), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 2147 (PDF, 52 MB).)
Simplified explanation
It is a federal crime for a U.S. officer, without legal authority, to settle, reduce, or try to settle or reduce a government claim under customs laws, or to release anyone or anything from a customs fine, penalty, or forfeiture.