Taking money from a bag is theft

Belarus: taking money from a found bag is theft, not "luck"

A recent court case in Minsk clearly shows how Belarusian law considers the theft of found objects: not as a "stroke of luck", but as a genuine crime of theft, punishable by criminal penalties.

A 41-year-old man, resident in the capital, was convicted after finding a small bag in a shopping center and deciding to keep the money inside.

The man, with no prior convictions and with a minor child to support, was in the toilets of a shopping center along Independence Avenue when he noticed the bag. Instead of handing it over to security or alerting the authorities, he took it away.

Later, in a forested area, he opened the bag and found documents, a remote control, a bank card and 600 rubles. He took the money and left the rest behind.

A week later, the police knocked on his door. The man confessed and compensated the owner. However, the criminal proceedings continued: he was found guilty of theft (article 205 of the Belarusian Penal Code) and sentenced to a fine equal to 30 basic units, that is 1,260 rubles.

The verdict has entered into force.

- Why this case matters

Many foreigners who move to or travel in Belarus are unaware of local regulations and may underestimate similar incidents. In Belarus:

• Found items must be handed over to the police or the facility's security service.

• Keeping found money or property is considered theft, even if violence was not used.

• Penalties can include substantial fines or, in more serious cases, prison sentences.

This applies to money, phones, documents, personal items and any other lost property.