§ 305d. Criminal proceedings; civil actions

• (a) In this section, the term “Federal law enforcement officer” includes a Federal law enforcement officer (as defined in section 115(c) of title 18 ).
• (b) Any Federal law enforcement officer shall have the authority to conduct an investigation relating to an alleged violation of this Act occurring within the jurisdiction of the United States.
• (c)
  • (1)
    • (A) The Board may refer an alleged violation of section 1159 of title 18 to any Federal law enforcement officer for appropriate investigation.
    • (B) A Federal law enforcement officer may investigate an alleged violation of section 1159 of that title regardless of whether the Federal law enforcement officer receives a referral under subparagraph (A).
  • (2) The findings of an investigation of an alleged violation of section 1159 of title 18 by any Federal department or agency under paragraph (1)(A) shall be submitted, as appropriate, to—
    • (A) a Federal or State prosecuting authority; or
    • (B) the Board.
  • (3) On receiving the findings of an investigation under paragraph (2), the Board may—
    • (A) recommend to the Attorney General that criminal proceedings be initiated under section 1159 of title 18 ; and
    • (B) provide such support to the Attorney General relating to the criminal proceedings as the Attorney General determines to be appropriate.
• (d) In lieu of, or in addition to, any criminal proceeding under subsection (c), the Board may recommend that the Attorney General initiate a civil action under section 305e of this title .