Whoever, being a citizen of the United States, without the limits thereof, fits out and arms, or attempts to fit out and arm or is concerned in furnishing, fitting out, or arming any private vessel of war or privateer, with intent that such vessel shall be employed to cruise or commit hostilities upon the citizens of the United States or their property; orWhoever takes the command of or enters on board of any such vessel with such intent; orWhoever purchases any interest in any such vessel with a view to share in the profits thereof—Shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both.
Structure US Code
Title 18— CRIMES AND CRIMINAL PROCEDURE
CHAPTER 81— PIRACY AND PRIVATEERING
§ 1651. Piracy under law of nations
§ 1654. Arming or serving on privateers
§ 1655. Assault on commander as piracy
§ 1656. Conversion or surrender of vessel
§ 1657. Corruption of seamen and confederating with pirates
§ 1658. Plunder of distressed vessel
§ 1659. Attack to plunder vessel