# Commercial Law (GCL)

## Title 18. Bills of Lading and Warehouse Receipts -- Criminal Provisions

### Subtitle 2. Bills of Lading

#### Section 18-204

A person may not secure the issuance by a carrier of a bill of lading by inducing an officer, agent, or employee of the carrier to believe falsely that the goods were received by the carrier or are under its control:

(1) With intent to defraud; and

(2) With knowledge that, at the time the bill of lading is issued, any of the goods described in the bill of lading as received for transportation:

  (i) Have not been received by the carrier, its agent, or a connecting carrier; or

  (ii) Are not under the carrier's control.

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Md. Code Ann., Com. Law (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)