“At present, there are no exact statistics about cases of fraud. There are some specific procedures to tackle such problems. Any cases of fraud are dealt with in accordance with the provisions of the citizenship law, the civil affairs law and the anti-forgery law,” said Al-Jaser.
Fraud often happens at the Kingdom’s Civil Affairs offices with members of the public impersonating other people to acquire documents or change details.
One 23-year-old woman’s uncle, who was appointed her guardian after her parents’ death, removed her name from her family register and added the name of another woman in her place. The man did this to acquire a sum of money that was meant for her.
When the woman realized what had happened, she re-included her name in the register by approaching the Civil Affairs Department.
The Shoura Council has also recently approved a draft penal code for crimes related to forgery. The draft will replace the Kingdom's Anti-Forgery Law of 1380AH. It comprises 32 articles dealing with fraud and its negative repercussions on the national economy.
Al-Jaser said there are stringent punitive measures in the existing anti-forgery law.
“If anybody forges the signatures or seals of the head of the Council of Ministers or that of the Kingdom, then he risks being sent to jail for between five and 10 years and being fined between SR5,000 and SR15,000. Those who misuse or facilitate the misuse of these stamps or signatures will also receive the same punishment,” he added.
Al-Jaser said those caught committing similar violations relating to the seals and symbols of government departments or Saudi embassies abroad risk being sent to prison for between three and five years and being fined between SR3,000 and SR10,000.
“If these violations are committed by any government officials, they will get the maximum punishment. In the case of government employees who are found to have forged documents or used forged seals or signatures, or tampered with official documents, then they will be sent to jail for between one and five years. In case of issuing a certificate with false content, the offender would get jail terms varying between two weeks and one year,” he added.
