8.116 Kidnapping-Foreign Official or Official Guest (18 U.S.C. Sec. 1201(a)(4)) is a federal offense in the United States that prohibits the abduction of any foreign official or official guest who is in the country in an official capacity. This includes any foreign dignitary, diplomat, head of state, ambassador, or other official who is in the United States under the protection of the U.S. government. This prohibition also applies to any official guest who is invited to the United States to conduct official business. This offense is punishable by up to life in prison and/or a fine of up to $250,000. There are two types of 8.116 Kidnapping-Foreign Official or Official Guest (18 U.S.C. Sec. 1201(a)(4)): kidnapping for ransom or kidnapping for political gain. Kidnapping for ransom involves demanding money, property, or services in exchange for the safe return of the foreign official or official guest. Kidnapping for political gain involves using the abduction of the foreign official or official guest to gain political power or influence.