Article 6 of the Saudi Penal Law on Forgery Crimes
المادة 6 من النظام الجزائي لجرائم التزوير · الفصل الثالث: تزوير الطوابع
The article punishes forging a stamp with imprisonment of up to 5 years and a fine of up to SAR 500,000, and requires the offender to pay what he cost the public treasury.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
من زوّر طابعاً يعاقب بالسجن مدة لا تتجاوز خمس سنوات، وبغرامةٍ لا تزيد على خمسمائة ألف ريال، مع إلزامه بدفع ما فوته على الخزينة العامة من مبالغ.
This is the official Arabic wording, the only legally binding version. We do not translate the law itself; the explanation below is ours. Official source: Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers
Article 6 explained in plain English
This article protects stamps, which under Article 1 are the label or its equivalent, printed mechanically or electronically, used for postage or for collecting public revenue. A stamp is therefore not only a paper label; it includes what is printed mechanically or electronically and serves the same function.
Whoever forges a stamp is punished as follows:
- Imprisonment for a period not exceeding 5 years.
- And a fine of up to SAR 500,000.
- With an order requiring him to pay the amounts he cost the public treasury, that is, what the treasury lost because of the forgery. This obligation is in addition to the penalty.
The text combines imprisonment and a fine without mentioning the option of imposing only one of them. The elements of forgery in Article 1 must be present: bad faith, intent to use and the possibility of harm.
This article differs from Article 7, which deals with another, lighter act, reusing a stamp whose value has already been collected, punished by imprisonment of up to 3 months and a fine of up to SAR 30,000, or either, with the offender also required to pay what he cost the treasury. The preceding Article 5 concerns forging the seal of a non-public entity.
Anyone facing an accusation of this kind is advised to consult a lawyer who specializes in criminal cases.
Practical example
A person printed counterfeit stamps resembling those used to collect government fees and stuck them on transactions to avoid paying the fees. He is punished with imprisonment of up to 5 years and a fine of up to SAR 500,000, and is required to pay the fees he cost the treasury.
Translated from our Arabic explanation with machine assistance. For guidance only; it does not replace advice from a lawyer on your situation.
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Frequently asked questions about Article 6 of the Saudi Penal Law on Forgery Crimes
What is the penalty for forging stamps in Saudi Arabia?
Imprisonment for a period not exceeding 5 years and a fine of up to SAR 500,000, with the offender required to pay what he cost the public treasury.
Is an electronic stamp covered by the protection?
Yes. The definition of a stamp in Article 1 includes what is printed mechanically or electronically and used for postage or for collecting public revenue.
More articles on Forging Stamps
The texts are reproduced from the official website of the Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers for reference; where they differ, the officially published Arabic text prevails. This content is not legal advice.