# Bought stolen goods? You can be charged too. > Receiving or keeping stolen property, knowing or having reason to believe it is stolen, is an offence under section 411 PPC: up to 3 years, or fine, or both. Helping hide it is s.414, and dealing in it as a habit is s.413. - Topic: Criminal law - For: Citizens - A 12-slide carousel: https://failegal.site/media/bought-stolen-goods-you-can-be-charged-too - Published by FAI Legal on 2026-10-23 ## 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) ## What is stolen property? Section 410, PPC. - **Taken** By theft, extortion or robbery. - **Kept** Criminally misappropriated, or by criminal breach of trust. - **It ends** When it comes back to the person legally entitled to it. ## Not only knowing. The words of section 411. - **Two tests** Knowing it is stolen, or having reason to believe it is. - **Two acts** Receiving it, or retaining it. ## Three levels. The prison terms. - **Receiving, s.411** Up to 3 years, or fine, or both. - **Helping hide it, s.414** Up to 3 years, or fine, or both. - **As a habit, s.413** Life, 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. - **Retains** Keeping it after you know, or have reason to believe, is covered. - **Give it back** Once with the lawful owner, it stops being stolen property. ## Recovery must be proved. 2023 MLD 1490, Lahore High Court. - **The facts** Items found months later, in an open shop anyone could reach. - **The gap** The owner never identified them, in the station or in court. - **The result** Not enough to prove he had the stolen goods. ## Before you buy. Simple habits for used goods. - **Papers** The original box, bill or registration documents. - **The seller** A CNIC copy and a working phone number. - **The price** Far 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?** ## Sources - Pakistan Penal Code, 1860 · Section 411: Dishonestly receiving stolen property --- Educational legal information, not legal advice. Every case turns on its own facts. Speak to a qualified lawyer about your situation. Review status: Pending advocate review. FAI Media is part of FAI Legal (https://failegal.site), research on Pakistani statutes and judgments. Free to watch and read.