extortion is a federal crime under United States law when it involves interstate commerce, federal officials, or specific threats violating federal statutes. The Hobbs Act (18 U.S.C. § 1951) is commonly used to prosecute extortion that interferes with interstate commerce, while other statutes cover blackmail and threats.
Key details regarding federal extortion include:
- Interstate Communication: Sending threats via phone, mail, or internet to injure or extort money is a federal offense (18 U.S.C. § 875, § 876).
- Penalties: Penalties vary, with some offenses resulting in up to one year in prison for certain blackmail cases, or up to 20 years for Hobbs Act violations.
- Investigation: The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has jurisdiction over most federal extortion cases.
- Hobbs Act Extortion: Using force, violence, or fear—including threats to economic interests—to obtain property under color of official right or through wrongful use of force/fear.
- Blackmail/Extortion (18 U.S.C. § 873): Demanding money or value to avoid informing on a violation of U.S. law
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