Award of compensation to informers

If— any person who is not an employee or officer of the United States— furnishes to a United States attorney, the Secretary of the Treasury, or any customs officer original information concerning— such detection and seizure or such information leads to a recovery of— If— any vessel, vehicle, aircraft, merchandise, or baggage is forfeited to the United States and is thereafter, in lieu of sale— The amount awarded and paid to any person under this section may not exceed $250,000 for any case. Unless otherwise provided by law, any amount paid under this section shall be paid out of appropriations available for the collection of the customs revenue. For purposes of this section, an amount recovered under a bail bond shall be deemed a recovery of a fine incurred.