Article 13 of the Saudi Money Counterfeiting Law
المادة 13 من النظام الجزائي الخاص بتزييف وتقليد النقود
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.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
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.
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 13 explained in plain English
This Article adds to the criminal penalties the right to compensation for those harmed.
Who may claim?
- The Government.
- Anyone harmed by the crimes provided for in this Law.
From whom? From the convict, that is, the person against whom a judgment of conviction has been issued.
The kind of harm compensated:
- Material harm: such as the financial loss suffered by someone who accepted counterfeit money.
- Moral harm: such as damage to reputation or psychological harm.
The practical meaning is that the penalty and the fine that go to the State do not prevent the injured person from claiming his private right. A merchant who lost money because of counterfeit money circulated by a convicted person may claim compensation from him.
The Article does not specify the method of the claim, the body to which it is brought, or the period within which it is brought, so we assume none of that. The text says "may", meaning that the claim is a right of its holder which he uses if he wishes.
This Article is connected to Article 12 on ways of collecting the fine.
To assess compensation and bring a claim, it is advisable to consult a lawyer specializing in criminal matters or compensation claims.
Practical example
A merchant in Dammam sold goods worth SAR 10,000 to a person who paid him in counterfeit banknotes, and a judgment of conviction was then issued against that person. The merchant may claim from the convict compensation for the material harm he suffered, and also for moral harm if any.
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 13 of the Saudi Money Counterfeiting Law
Can I claim compensation from the person who gave me counterfeit money?
Anyone harmed by the Law's crimes may claim from the convict compensation for the material or moral harm suffered.
Does the compensation include moral harm?
Yes. It includes material and moral harm.
Can the Government claim compensation too?
Yes. The Government may claim compensation from the convict.
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 12
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.
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 س
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.