Article 1 of the Saudi Penal Law on Forgery Crimes

This is the definitions article, through which all the articles of the law are understood unless the context indicates another meaning. The most important definition is that of forgery itself, since not every alteration of the truth is forgery; it must combine these elements:

• It must be an alteration of the truth by one of the methods provided for in the law, which Article 2 lists.
• It must be committed in bad faith.
• It must be with the intent to use.
• It must fall on something the law protects: a document, seal, mark or stamp.
• It must be capable of causing material, moral or social harm to a natural or legal person, such as an individual, a company or an entity.

The article then defines the other terms:

• Seal: the authentication tool with which documents are stamped, or the impression it leaves.
• Stamp: the label or its equivalent, even if printed mechanically or electronically, used for postage or for collecting public revenue.
• Mark: a sign or symbol used by a public entity for a special meaning of its own that produces a legal effect, whatever its form.
• Document: any written material containing letters or marks that convey a particular meaning, whatever the medium, including information technology means; an electronic document is a document just as a paper one is.
• Bank papers: documents of deposit, withdrawal and transfer, including documentary credits, letters of guarantee, credit cards and debit cards.
• Historical document: an old and rare document about the history of the Kingdom, with historical value but without legal authority.