Bought stolen goods? You can be charged too.

Myth or fact?

What people often think.

• Myth: I paid for it. Even if it was stolen, it is mine now.
• Fact: Receiving or keeping stolen property, knowing or having reason to believe it is stolen, is a crime (PPC s.411).

The law.

Section 411, PPC.

“Whoever dishonestly receives or retains, any stolen property, knowing or having reason to believe the same to be stolen property, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.”

Pakistan Penal Code, 1860 · Section 411, Dishonestly receiving stolen property

What is stolen property?

Section 410, PPC.

• TakenBy theft, extortion or robbery.
• KeptCriminally misappropriated, or by criminal breach of trust.
• It endsWhen it comes back to the person legally entitled to it.

Not only knowing.

The words of section 411.

• Two testsKnowing it is stolen, or having reason to believe it is.
• Two actsReceiving it, or retaining it.

Three levels.

The prison terms.

• Receiving, s.411Up to 3 years, or fine, or both.
• Helping hide it, s.414Up to 3 years, or fine, or both.
• As a habit, s.413Life, or up to 10 years, and also fine.

Quick quiz. The phone.

Guess first, then swipe for the answer.

• A. None, you paid
• B. Yes, s.411 says retains
• C. Only the thief is liable

Answer: B. Retaining counts.

Sections 410 and 411.

• RetainsKeeping it after you know, or have reason to believe, is covered.
• Give it backOnce with the lawful owner, it stops being stolen property.

Recovery must be proved.

2023 MLD 1490, Lahore High Court.

• The factsItems found months later, in an open shop anyone could reach.
• The gapThe owner never identified them, in the station or in court.
• The resultNot enough to prove he had the stolen goods.

Before you buy.

Simple habits for used goods.

• PapersThe original box, bill or registration documents.
• The sellerA CNIC copy and a working phone number.
• The priceFar too cheap is a warning. Walk away.

Bought something used?

Ask FAI in your own words. It answers with the exact section and the judgments behind it.

• Police say the motorcycle I bought was stolen. Can I be charged under section 411 PPC?
• What is the difference between sections 411 and 414 PPC?

Example questions

Sources

• Pakistan Penal Code, 1860 · Section 411
  Dishonestly receiving stolen property Pakistan Code