CV Fraud in Norway: 3 Months in Prison for Falsifying Qualifications
Buskerud, Norway — A 40-year-old woman has been sentenced by the Buskerud District Court (Buskerud tingrett) to 90 days of unconditional imprisonment for falsifying information on her CV and obtaining employment based on false qualifications.
Court Findings
In 2023, the woman listed professional experience on her CV that she did not possess. She also claimed to have worked with certain individuals as supervisors or referees — claims which those individuals denied. Using these false details, she misled three different employers into hiring her. The woman admitted to the acts and provided a full confession without reservation.
Criminal History
This was not her first offense. The court noted that over the past 20 years, she had multiple convictions for property-related crimes, with her most recent punishment in 2019. She had also previously been convicted in Oslo for fraud, document forgery, and embezzlement.
Court’s Position
The Buskerud court highlighted that cases of CV fraud are rare. The judgment noted that the judges had few precedents to compare this case against. The court determined that the fraud was deliberate — the woman knowingly provided false information to gain stable employment.
Reactions and Potential Appeal
The woman’s lawyer, Eirik Torbergsen, announced plans to appeal, arguing that the sentence is too harsh relative to the offenses committed.
Implications
This case highlights several important points for expats and job seekers in Norway:
- Legal Responsibility for False CVs: Misrepresenting your qualifications is not just an ethical issue — it is a criminal offense that can lead to imprisonment.
- Importance of References and Verification: Employers should thoroughly verify candidates’ credentials before hiring.
- Risk of Repeat Offenses: Courts consider previous criminal history when determining the severity of the sentence.
Summary
The 3-month prison sentence demonstrates that Norwegian courts take CV fraud seriously, especially when the individual has a history of breaking the law. This case could set a precedent, encouraging employers to carefully check applicants’ credentials. Job seekers considering “enhancing” their CV should be aware that the consequences in Norway can be very real.
Source: Aftenposten — “Kvinne fikk tre måneders fengsel for CV-juks,” 17.09.2025
