Forged Documents and False Information: Be Aware of the Legal Consequences

Accurate documents support trust in education, employment and other areas of public life. Forging a diploma, certificate, official statement or report undermines fair competition and harms the interests of others. Choosing an unlawful shortcut for temporary convenience can put a person’s reputation and future opportunities at risk.

Article 228 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan establishes liability for forging official documents that grant rights or release a person from obligations, and for knowingly using a forged document. Depending on the offence, penalties may include fines, compulsory community service, correctional labour, restriction of liberty or imprisonment.

Statements such as “I only received the finished document” or “someone else made it” do not justify using a document known to be forged. However, an error in submitted information does not automatically constitute a crime. An ordinary clerical mistake must be distinguished from intentional deception, with all relevant circumstances examined.

Students and staff should obtain documents through official channels and check their details before submission. Treat offers of a “diploma without studying,” a “certificate without an examination” or “any official document on request” with caution. A document’s appearance, stamp or QR code alone does not establish its authenticity. Verification should be carried out through the issuing organisation or its official information system.

Do not sign blank forms or share your electronic signature or account access details with others. If you discover an error, contact the issuing organisation to request a correction rather than concealing the mistake or altering the document yourself.

If someone pressures you to obtain a forged document or offers suspicious services, preserve relevant messages and payment records, and contact law enforcement where necessary. Handling documents responsibly and providing truthful information are important expressions of respect for the law.