Putting counterfeit valuables into circulation or acquiring counterfeit non-cash payment instruments

Legal defence in cases of circulating counterfeit valuables or acquiring counterfeit non-cash payment instruments

Circulating counterfeit valuables (Article 313 of the Criminal Code) does not carry a uniform penalty. Paragraphs (1) and (2) refer to the penalty for counterfeiting the relevant item under Articles 310–312. Recirculation by a person who learned only subsequently that an item received was counterfeit carries limits reduced by half under paragraph (3). Acquiring a counterfeit non-cash payment instrument for fraudulent use under paragraph (4) is punishable by 2–7 years. Distinguishing circulation from fraudulent use is essential to the defence.

Origin of the valuables, absence of the mental element and defence strategies

We identify the counterfeit item and precise variant under Article 313. For circulation, the starting point is the penalty for counterfeiting that item. A person who received the item and subsequently learned of the forgery is subject to the separate regime of paragraph (3).
The lawyer reconstructs the time of knowledge and intended use of the instrument. Fraudulent non-cash use under paragraph (4) must not be reduced to a purpose of circulation. Bank documents, messages and expert assessment may challenge automatic attribution of intent from possession alone.

Urgent legal assistance in Focșani and Vrancea county

Making a payment with a cloned card received by mistake or possessing non-compliant financial securities can rapidly escalate into a serious organised-crime case, potentially leading to severe preventive measures and complete freezing of financial assets. Basuc Cosmin Law Office in Focșani offers comprehensive and confidential legal assistance, ensuring full protection of your rights before investigating authorities. We provide urgent assistance during computer or home searches by police and prosecutors in Vrancea county, offering rigorous trial representation before Vrancea Tribunal to protect your liberty and presumption of innocence.