Computer Fraud; A Reflection on the Elements of Crime and Its Effects

Computer fraud, as an almost emerging crime in Iranian criminal law, is materially (externally) and mentally distinct from classical fraud (subject to Article 1 of the Law on Intensification of Punishment for Bribery, Embezzlement and Fraud) and has its own characteristics. This type of fraud, which is caused by cheating (dishonesty) or entering data or disrupting the computer and telecommunications system, is one of the absolute (conduct) crimes in terms of materiality, and when it comes to obtain money or property or privileges (concession) or financial services; it is not necessary to deceive the victim, to take property, to cause damage or benefit the committed. Importing data into computer fraud can be in the form of accurate data or fake data; What is important is the unauthorized (impermissible) behavior of the data importer. Obtaining in this type of fraud is not a result (respond) and is part of the process of the material (external) element (the last process), and therefore, in terms of the mental element, the intention of the result is not a condition for the occurrence of a crime. Computer fraud in terms of suspension, mitigation of punishment, lapse of time and conviction verdict publication does not have the limitations and obstacles of simple fraud and is subject to public regulations. If computer fraud interferes with other computer crimes, such as forgery, unlawful access, or tampering with data, multiplicity is eliminated and only the penalty of fraud is imposed.