Forgery of Documents

Forgery of Documents

 

according to Soviet criminal law, a crime that involves making forged copies of authentic documents or drawing up fraudulent documents. Two types of forgery are distinguished. The first is official forgery, where an official intentionally enters false information in official documents, forges and alters official records, or intentionally enters false information in books. Official forgery is committed with a specific intent, from mercenary or other selfish motives. An incorrect entry done from carelessness or by mistake is considered a disciplinary infraction. Forgery committed by an official is punishable by deprivation of freedom for a period of up to two years, correctional labor for a period of up to one year, or dismissal. Special criminal statutes establish accountability for forging election documents (art. 133 of the Criminal Code of the RSFSR).

The second type of forgery is committed by a private individual and involves making forged documents that grant some right or release someone from some obligation. This type of forgery is criminally punishable if the forger intends to use the document himself or sell it to other persons. For example, criminal responsibility is established for evasion of the military draft by means of forged documents (Criminal Code of the RSFSR, art. 80). The manufacture for sale or sale of counterfeit money, state securities, or foreign currency is also criminally punishable (Criminal Code of the RSFSR, art. 87).

The manufacture of forged stamps, seals, and forms of state institutions or public organizations or their sale is punishable by deprivation of freedom for a period of up to two years or correctional labor for a period of up to one year. If these actions are committed systematically, they are punishable by deprivation of freedom for up to five years or exile for the same period. Using a document known to be forged is punishable by deprivation of freedom for a period of up to one year, correctional labor for the same period, or a fine of up to 30 rubles.