((a)) ** In general** With respect to a claim that cannot be settled under chapter 171 of title 28, the Secretary may settle, for not more than $50,000 in any one case, a claim for damage to, or loss of, privately owned property caused by an investigative or law enforcement officer (as defined in ) who is employed by the Customs Service and acting within the scope of his or her employment.section 2680(h) of title 28

((b)) ** Limitations** The Secretary may not pay a claim under subsection (a) that—

((1)) concerns commercial property;

((2)) is presented to the Secretary more than 1 year after it occurs; or

((3)) is presented by an officer or employee of the United States Government and arose within the scope of employment.

((c)) ** Final settlement** A claim may be paid under this section only if the claimant accepts the amount of settlement in complete satisfaction of the claim.