18 U.S.C. § 1031 — Major fraud against the United States

(a) Anyone who knowingly carries out or attempts a scheme intending to defraud the United States, or to obtain money or property through false or fraudulent pretenses, representations, or promises, in a grant, contract, subcontract, subsidy, loan, guarantee, insurance, or other Federal assistance—including the listed government programs—or in covered Federal procurement, commits this offense when the value is at least $1,000,000. Subject to subsection (c), the person may be fined up to $1,000,000, imprisoned up to 10 years, or both. (b) The fine may be up to $5,000,000 if the government’s gross loss or defendant’s gross gain is at least $500,000, or the offense consciously or recklessly risks serious personal injury. (c) For one prosecution, including multiple counts, the maximum fine is $10,000,000. (d) The court may impose any other sentence available under this title, including a fine up to twice the offense’s gross loss or gross gain under section 3571(d). (e) The court must consider sections 3553 and 3572 and the Sentencing Commission’s guidelines and policy statements, including the seriousness of the offense and victim harm or loss and defendant gain; whether the defendant was previously fined for a similar offense; and other relevant equitable considerations. (f) Prosecution may begin no later than seven years after the offense, plus any additional time otherwise allowed by law. (g) (1) In special circumstances and in the Attorney General’s sole discretion, the Attorney General may pay, from Justice Department appropriations, a person who provides information about a possible prosecution. The payment may not exceed $250,000. On the Attorney General’s application, the court may order reimbursement from a criminal fine. (2) A person is ineligible if the person is an officer or employee of the United States, a State, or a political subdivision; was an officer or employee when the information was obtained; or is an immediate family member of such an officer or employee. (3) The Attorney General may not make a payment if the person planned or initiated the offense, or if the information was obtained by a person in the course of professional legal representation or from a person who obtained it through that representation. (4) This subsection does not create a right to a payment or a basis for challenging a decision about a payment.