18 U.S.C. § 1510 – Obstruction of Criminal Investigations
This statute criminalizes bribery-based obstruction of criminal investigations and certain “tipping off” conduct involving subpoenas.
What this statute does.
Section 1510 addresses interference with federal criminal investigations, with a specific focus on bribery and unauthorized disclosure of subpoenas or investigative demands. It fills gaps left by broader obstruction statutes by targeting early-stage investigative interference.
Core prohibited conduct.
- Using bribery to obstruct, delay, or prevent a person from communicating information about a federal crime to a criminal investigator
- Attempting to obstruct such communication through bribery
This subsection applies even if the investigation is informal and no charges have been filed.
Financial institution “tipping off.”
Separate provisions apply to officers and employees of financial institutions who, with intent to obstruct a judicial proceeding:
- Notify a customer or other person about the existence or contents of a subpoena for records
- Disclose information furnished in response to such a subpoena
Penalties differ based on intent:
- Up to 5 years if done with intent to obstruct a judicial proceeding
- Up to 1 year for unauthorized disclosure without that heightened intent
The statute defines “officer of a financial institution” broadly to include employees, agents, and attorneys.
Insurance industry disclosures.
Parallel provisions apply to individuals connected to the business of insurance who disclose grand jury subpoenas for records relating to insurance fraud investigations.
National security and privacy gag orders.
The statute also criminalizes knowingly violating certain statutory nondisclosure or confidentiality requirements—such as national security letters or financial privacy restrictions—when done with intent to obstruct an investigation or judicial proceeding.
Penalties.
- Up to 5 years in prison for bribery-based obstruction or intentional subpoena disclosures
- Up to 1 year in prison for lesser disclosure violations
- Fines under Title 18
If you are under investigation for obstruction-related conduct, call (314) 900-HELP or
contact our federal criminal defense attorneys.
