(a) Whoever—

(1) kidnaps or carries away any other person, with the intent that such other person be sold into involuntary servitude, or held as a slave;

(2) entices, persuades, or induces any other person to go on board any vessel or to any other place with the intent that he or she may be made or held as a slave, or sent out of the country to be so made or held; or

(3) obstructs, or attempts to obstruct, or in any way interferes with or prevents the enforcement of this section,


shall be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 30 years, or both.

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Terms Used In 18 USC 1583

  • vessel: includes every description of watercraft or other artificial contrivance used, or capable of being used, as a means of transportation on water. See 1 USC 3
  • whoever: include corporations, companies, associations, firms, partnerships, societies, and joint stock companies, as well as individuals. See 1 USC 1

(b) Whoever violates this section shall be fined under this title, imprisoned for any term of years or for life, or both if—

(1) the violation results in the death of the victim; or

(2) the violation includes kidnaping, an attempt to kidnap, aggravated sexual abuse, an attempt to commit aggravated sexual abuse, or an attempt to kill.