; and (B) may be subject to criminal penalties for violating such sections. (2) False statements Nothing in this section shall be construed to modify the application of section 1001 of title 18, United States Code, (relating to the making of any false or fraudulent statement to a Federal officer) to any information or certification submitted to the United States by an individual or entity under the ethics and conflicts of interest regulations. (3) Criminal referral and reporting If the Director or a designated agency ethics official receives information indicating that any individual or entity has violated any provision of title 18, United States Code, or another provision of criminal law (including any provision involving fraud, conflict of interest, bribery, or gratuity violations under title 18, United States Code) or violated sections 3729 through 3733 of title 31, United States Code, (commonly known as the False Claims Act ) in the administration or execution of the authorities under a Coronavirus pandemic-related program, project, or activity, the Director or designated agency ethics official shall refer the alleged violation to the Attorney General and report the alleged violation to the Special Inspector General for Pandemic Relief, the Congressional Oversight Commission, and the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee. (m) Conflicts of interest enforcement (1) Penalties The ethics and conflicts of interest regulations shall provide that— (A) if an officer or employee of the Federal Government violates a requirement under the ethics and conflicts of interest regulations, the Director may take necessary and appropriate action authorized under section 402 of the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.); and (B) if a covered contractor violates a requirement under the ethics and conflicts of interest regulations, the Director may impose or pursue sanctions, which may include— (i) termination of the covered contract