The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has issued a reminder that individuals acting in the United States under the direction or control of a foreign government or principal, must register as foreign agents, or face civil and criminal penalties.
The notice by the DOJ reiterates federal laws that impose liability for failure to register while working for any foreign government outside established rules and regulations.
The full statement reads: “The Department of Justice would like to remind the public of federal laws that require individuals to register as foreign agents when they act in the United States at the direction or control of a foreign government or foreign principal, and that they will face civil and criminal liability if they fail to do so.
“The Department recognizes and protects the First Amendment rights of those who seek to express their opinions publicly.
“The Department will not take action to inhibit anyone’s constitutionally protected right to free speech and free expression. Nor will any decisions be illegitimately influenced by anyone’s political associations, activities, or beliefs.
“At the same time, the Department is committed to upholding the rule of law and keeping our country safe against all enemies, both foreign and domestic.
“It does so by holding to account those who violate federal law.
“Two such federal laws — the Foreign Agents Registration Act, known as FARA, and 18 U.S.C. § 951 — impose disclosure or notification obligations when a person acts in the United States as an agent of a foreign principal or foreign government.
“These obligations aid in stopping foreign governments or their representatives from using undisclosed agents, intermediaries, false affiliations, covert funding, or other deceptive activities to illegally influence public debate, suborn sedition, or interfere with official proceedings.
“Both citizens and noncitizens are reminded that anyone who violates FARA or § 951 may face federal civil or criminal liability.
“If a person acts as an agent of any foreign power to carry out any public activity, including (but not limited to) public demonstrations designed to further the propaganda or other goals of the foreign power, he or she must register with or notify the appropriate federal authorities.
“Failure to do so may result in significant civil or criminal sanctions, up to and including a maximum of five years in prison.
“More information about FARA is available from the Department’s FARA Unit.
“Individuals with questions about potential obligations under FARA or 18 U.S.C. § 951 should consult legal counsel or seek an Advisory Opinion from the Department’s FARA Unit under 28 C.F.R. § 5.2.
“Members of the public who believe they have information about undisclosed foreign government direction or control may contact the FBI or their local U.S. Attorney’s Office.”
