[lbo-talk] False Statement Statute

[jared]

"It seems self-evident that section 1001 is intended to promote the
smooth functioning of government agencies and the expeditious processing
of the government's business by ensuring that those who deal with the
government furnish information on which the government confidently may
rely. To this end, section 1001 in and of itself constitutes a blanket
proscription against the making of false statements to federal agencies.
Thus, while section 1001 prohibits falsification in connection with
documents that persons are required by law to file with agencies of the
federal government, ... its prohibitory sweep is not limited to such
documents. The statute equally forbids falsification of any other
statement, whether or not legally required, made to a federal
agency."--U.S. v. Arcadipane, 41 F.3d 1 (1st Cir. 1994).

It's punishable by fine or up to 5 (!) years in prison.  I'd say Chalabi
and his INC minions could be in some trouble.

I wonder if it counts if you make the false statements to a federal
agency while being tortured by it.

--Jared