Article 225 Dutch Criminal Code (forgery of documents)

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Article 225 of the Dutch Criminal Code (Wetboek van Strafrecht, Sr) criminalises forgery of documents (valsheid in geschrifte). It covers falsely making or falsifying a document intended as evidence of a fact, with intent to use it as genuine, and intentionally using it. The maximum penalty is six years’ imprisonment or a fifth-category fine (110,000 euro in 2026).

What does Article 225 prohibit?

  • First paragraph: making a false document or falsifying a genuine one, with intent to use it, or have it used, as if it were genuine and unaltered.
  • Second paragraph: intentionally using a false or falsified document as if it were genuine, or having it in stock for that purpose. The same maximum penalty applies.

Which documents are covered?

Only documents with an evidential purpose (bewijsbestemming). Not every incorrect document counts. Typical examples are invoices, payslips, annual accounts, contracts, diplomas and cash books. A document can be false because its content is untrue, if it was meant to prove that untrue fact. Both individuals and companies, such as a private limited company (bv) with false bookkeeping, can be prosecuted.

How do forgery cases start?

Often with a report from a bank, insurer or the Tax and Customs Administration (Belastingdienst), or with a criminal complaint (aangifte). The police or the Fiscal Intelligence and Investigation Service (FIOD) examine the documents. The public prosecutor then decides on a penal order (strafbeschikking), a settlement (transactie) or a summons (dagvaarding).

Frequently asked questions

What does the defence usually focus on?

Whether the document had an evidential purpose at all, and whether the suspect knew it was false.

Are there consequences outside criminal law?

Yes. A bank may, for example, terminate a mortgage or loan that was obtained with a falsified income statement.

Related terms

For help with a forgery or fraud investigation, see our criminal lawyer page. Want to know what this means for your situation? Book a free introductory meeting.