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Commentary on Judgment No. 17029 of 2022: Usury and Concurrence of Persons

Judgment No. 17029 of 2022 by the Court of Cassation represents an important reflection on the crime of usury and the concurrence of persons, highlighting the responsibilities of those who, while not being the main perpetrator of the crime, subsequently intervene to recover usurious credit. In particular, it emphasizes how the collector can be deemed guilty of usury, even if their intervention occurs after the completion of the usurious agreement.

The Concurrence of Persons in the Crime of Usury

The ruling states:

Concurrence of persons in the crime - Intervention of the collector - Configurability - Reasons. A person is liable for the crime of usury in concurrence if, at a moment subsequent to the completion of the usurious agreement, having received the task of recovering the credit, they obtain payment, falling within the framework of a crime with fragmented conduct or prolonged consumption.

This statement clarifies that criminal responsibility is not limited only to those who have entered into the usurious agreement, but also extends to those who, in a subsequent role, contribute to the recovery of already usurious credit. This implies an expansion of the concept of guilt in the realm of usury, leading to consider the intervention of the collector as an integral part of the crime.

Legal and Regulatory Implications

The judgment refers to Article 110 of the Penal Code, which deals with the concurrence of persons in the crime, and to Article 644, which regulates usury. These articles lay the foundation for a broader understanding of criminal responsibility, especially in contexts where the crime is complex and involves multiple actors.

  • Recognition of responsibility for those recovering usurious credits.
  • Possibility of considering the crime of usury as fragmented conduct.
  • Reflection on the consequences for collectors and credit recovery agencies.

Conclusions

Judgment No. 17029 of 2022 provides significant insights for understanding the crime of usury and the responsibilities associated with the concurrence of persons. The intervention of the collector, far from being a neutral act, can lead to serious legal consequences. It is therefore essential that those operating in the credit recovery sector are aware of the criminal implications of their actions to avoid incurring offenses that, albeit indirectly, may compromise their legal and professional standing.