18 U.S.C. § 878 – Threats and Extortion Against Foreign Officials, Official Guests, or Internationally Protected Persons
Federal law criminalizing threats and extortion aimed at diplomats, foreign officials, and other internationally protected persons.
What this statute covers.
Section 878 targets threats and extortion schemes connected to serious crimes against foreign officials, official guests, and internationally protected persons. It operates as a companion statute to offenses involving assault, murder, kidnapping, or hostage-taking under §§ 112, 1116, and 1201.
Prohibited conduct.
This statute applies to two primary categories of behavior:
- Knowingly and willfully threatening to commit offenses covered by §§ 112, 1116, or 1201
- Making an extortionate demand in connection with a threat or an actual violation of those statutes
Threats alone are sufficient for liability; the underlying violent act does not need to occur.
Penalties.
- Up to 5 years imprisonment for qualifying threats (up to 3 years for threatened assault)
- Up to 20 years imprisonment for extortionate demands tied to the threat or offense
Jurisdictional reach.
The statute authorizes prosecution even when the victim is an internationally protected person outside the United States, so long as:
- The victim is a U.S. representative or agent, or
- The offender is a U.S. national, or
- The offender is later found in the United States
Why this statute shows up.
Section 878 is often charged in diplomatic-security cases, cross-border investigations, or situations involving coercion aimed at foreign officials where the government cannot yet prove an attempted or completed act of violence.
If federal agents are asking questions about threats, communications, or demands involving foreign officials or protected persons, speaking with defense counsel early can help frame what happens next. Call (314) 900-HELP or reach out to our federal criminal defense team for guidance.
