Article 1 of the Saudi Money Counterfeiting Law
المادة 1 من النظام الجزائي الخاص بتزييف وتقليد النقود
The Article defines money in this Law as metal coins of all kinds whatever metal they are minted from, and paper money lawfully in circulation inside or outside the Kingdom.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
تعني لفظة (نقود) الواردة في هذا النظام، النقود المعدنية على اختلافها أيا كان نوع المعدن المسكوكة به، وكذلك النقود الورقية المتداولة نظاماً داخل المملكة العربية السعودية، أو خارجها.
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 1 explained in plain English
This is a definitional Article that fixes the meaning of the word "money" wherever it appears in the Penal Law on Counterfeiting and Forgery of Money. Its importance is that it draws the scope of the criminal protection the Law provides.
The definition includes:
- Metal coins of all kinds, whatever metal they are minted from.
- Paper money lawfully in circulation.
Geographic scope: money lawfully in circulation inside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia or outside it. So the protection is not limited to the Saudi riyal, but extends to foreign currencies lawfully in circulation in their countries.
The practical meaning is that counterfeiting a foreign currency lawfully in circulation, such as the dollar or the euro, falls within the scope of this Law, as does counterfeiting the riyal. Article 2 relies on this definition in setting penalties for counterfeiting money in lawful circulation in the Kingdom or abroad, forging it, or possessing it knowing it to be counterfeit.
Note that the definition requires paper money to be "lawfully in circulation", that is, officially recognized as currency.
To assess the position of a particular person or to defend in a pending case, it is advisable to consult a lawyer specializing in criminal matters.
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 1 of the Saudi Money Counterfeiting Law
Does the money counterfeiting law cover foreign currencies?
Yes. It covers money lawfully in circulation inside or outside the Kingdom.
Do metal coins fall within the definition?
Yes. Metal coins of all kinds, whatever metal they are minted from.
More articles on Definition of Currency and Scope of the Law
- Article 9
The Article provides that the crimes under this Law are punished whether committed inside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia or outside it.
يعاقب على الجرائم المنصوص عليها في هذا النظام سواءً ارتكبت في داخل المملكة العربية السعودية أو في خارجها.
- Article 14
The Article charges the Prime Minister, the Minister of Finance and National Economy, and the Minister of Interior with implementing this Law, each within his remit.
على رئيس مجلس الوزراء ووزير المالية والاقتصاد الوطني ووزير الداخلية تنفيذ هذا النظام كل منهم فيما يخصه.
- Article 15
The Article provides that this Law takes effect from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.
يعمل بهذا النظام من تاريخ نشره في الجريدة الرسمية.
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.