Public Officials Acting As Agents Of Foreign Principals—18 U.S.C. § 219

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DOJ Justice Manual › Title 9: Criminal › 9-90.000 - National Security › Justice Manual § 9-90.720

This text was captured on Aug 14, 2026. It is a snapshot, not a live feed, so check the official code before relying on it.

Text

It is illegal for a public official to act as an agent of a foreign principal in such a manner as to require his/her registration under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA).

See

18 U.S.C. § 219. This prohibition does not apply to the employment of a foreign agent as a special United States Government employee in any case where the head of the employing agency certifies that such employment is required in the national interest. No prosecution under this section should be instituted without the express authorization of the National Security Division or higher authority.

See

JM 9-90.020

.

Note that Members of Congress are expressly covered by 18 U.S.C. § 219.

[updated January 2020]

This is a copy of a public record, reproduced as it was published. It is not legal advice, and it may not be the version a court would rely on. Check the official source before you cite it.

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Public Officials Acting As Agents Of Foreign Principals—18 U.S.C. § 219 · Justice Manual § 9-90.720 | Frix