The risks of using forged documents and false information

Documents establish identity, education, qualifications, rights and other important facts. Their reliability matters in education, employment and everyday transactions. Using a forged diploma, certificate or supporting document can result in both a loss of trust and legal liability.

Article 228 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan establishes liability for producing, forging or selling official documents that grant particular rights or release a person from an obligation, with the intention that they be used. It also covers producing or selling counterfeit organisational stamps, seals and forms for those purposes.

A person may face liability even if they did not personally create the document. Knowingly using a forged document is a separate offence under the law. Statements such as “Someone else gave it to me” or “I did not change anything myself” therefore do not automatically remove responsibility. Whether the person knew about the forgery must be established through evidence.

However, not every incorrect entry or inaccurate statement automatically constitutes document forgery. Technical mistakes, outdated information and deliberately false entries must be distinguished. The legal assessment considers the document’s nature, the purpose of its use, intent and other statutory elements.

Depending on the offence, penalties may include fines, compulsory community service, correctional labour, restriction of liberty or imprisonment. If a forged document or false information was used to obtain another person’s property through deception, the circumstances may also be examined for fraud. Rights or benefits obtained through the document may also be subject to review.

Treat offers such as “a certificate without an exam,” “a diploma without studying” or “we will enter it in the database” with caution. Obtain documents through authorised organisations and established procedures. Verify authenticity through the issuing organisation or an official verification system. A seal, logo or QR code alone does not guarantee authenticity.

If you discover an error, ask the issuing organisation to correct it rather than altering the document yourself. If you suspect forgery, stop submitting the document until the circumstances are clarified. Seek assistance from a lawyer or the appropriate authorities where necessary. Accurate information and lawfully issued documents protect your reputation and future opportunities.