§ 14944. Enforcement

• (a) Any person who—
  • (1) violates section 14921 of this title ;
  • (2) makes a false or fraudulent statement, or misrepresentation, with respect to a material fact, or offers, gives, solicits, or accepts inducement by way of compensation, intended to influence or affect in the United States or a foreign country—
    • (A) a decision by an accrediting entity with respect to the accreditation of an agency or approval of a person under subchapter II;
    • (B) the relinquishment of parental rights or the giving of parental consent relating to the adoption of a child in a case subject to the Convention; or
    • (C) a decision or action of any entity performing a central authority function; or
  • (3) engages another person as an agent, whether in the United States or in a foreign country, who in the course of that agency takes any of the actions described in paragraph (1) or (2),
• (b)
  • (1) The Attorney General may bring a civil action to enforce subsection (a) against any person in any United States district court.
  • (2) In imposing penalties the court shall consider the gravity of the violation, the degree of culpability of the defendant, and any history of prior violations by the defendant.
• (c) Whoever knowingly and willfully violates paragraph (1) or (2) of subsection (a) shall be subject to a fine of not more than $250,000, imprisonment for not more than 5 years, or both.