Article 12 — Fines

1. 1.

   Fines imposed under this Code are denominated in United States dollars (USD).

2. 2.

   Fines shall be determined according to the following three-tier scale:

   1. Minor offences: one hundred dollars ($100) to five thousand dollars ($5,000).
   2. Serious offences: five thousand dollars ($5,000) to fifty thousand dollars ($50,000).
   3. Grave offences: fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) to five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000).
3. 3.

   The competent authority may, having regard to the financial circumstances of the offender, adjust the fine within the applicable range prescribed by paragraph 2 of this Article.

4. 4.

   Default on the payment of a fine may give rise to additional sanctions, including extended exclusion from State services and enhanced public censure, but shall not give rise to any custodial measure.

5. 5.

   Fines imposed on legal persons may be up to five times the maximum fine applicable to a natural person for the same offence.