Article 12 of the Saudi Money Counterfeiting Law
المادة 12 من النظام الجزائي الخاص بتزييف وتقليد النقود
The Article gives the Government the right to collect the fine by compulsory execution against the convict's real and movable property, or by coercion through imprisoning him one day for every SAR 5, up to a maximum of six months.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
للحكومة الحق في اقتضاء الغرامة بطريق التنفيذ الجبري على أملاك المحكوم عليه الثابتة والمنقولة أو بطريق الإكراه بحبس المحكوم عليه يوماً واحداً عن كل خمسة ريالات سعودية على أن لا تتجاوز مدة الحبس ستة أشهر.
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 12 explained in plain English
This Article explains the ways of collecting the fine imposed in crimes under this Law.
The first way: compulsory execution
Against the convict's real property (such as real estate) and movable property (such as cars and funds).
The second way: physical coercion by imprisonment
- The convict is imprisoned one day for every SAR 5.
- Provided that the period of imprisonment does not exceed six months.
The text makes this "a right of the Government" by which it collects the fine by one of these two ways.
An arithmetic example: a fine of SAR 500 corresponds to 100 days of imprisonment. As for large fines, the period of imprisonment does not exceed six months however large the fine, according to the text of the Article.
The Article does not expressly state whether imprisonment extinguishes the rest of the fine if it does not suffice to cover it, so that is not to be inferred from the text.
This Article is connected to Article 11 on confiscation, and Article 13, which allows the Government and every injured person to claim compensation.
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 12 of the Saudi Money Counterfeiting Law
What happens if the convict does not pay the fine?
The Government may collect it by compulsory execution against his real and movable property, or by imprisoning him one day for every SAR 5.
What is the maximum imprisonment in place of the fine?
The period of imprisonment may not exceed six months.
More articles on Confiscating Counterfeit Currency and Compensation
- Article 11
The Article requires seizing and confiscating all counterfeit and forged money and all tools and materials used in or derived from the crime, and handing them to the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority with no compensation paid for them.
تضبط وتصادر جميع النقود المزيفة والمقلدة وكافة الأدوات والمواد المستعملة في الجريمة أو المتحصلة عنها وتسلم إلى مؤسسة النقد العربي السعودي ، ولا يدفع مقابل لها أ
- Article 13
The Article allows the Government and anyone harmed by the Law's crimes to claim compensation from the convict for the material or moral harm suffered.
يجوز للحكومة ولكل من أصابه ضرر بسبب الجرائم المنصوص عليها في هذا النظام أن يطالب المحكوم عليه بتعويضه عما لحقه من ضرر مادي أو معنوي.
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.