Crowdfunding in Oman? You could be breaking the law

Muscat: Asking for donations or collecting money without a government permit can land you in jail for up to three years, under the new Oman Penal Code.
The code states: "A penalty of not less than three months, not exceeding three years, a fine of not less than OMR200 and not more than OMR600, or either of these two penalties shall be imposed on anyone who makes a donation invitation or collects money from the public by any means without the authorisation from the competent authority, and the court can confiscate the funds obtained from the crime.
Those living in Oman who collect money illegally then send it abroad can expect even tougher fines, under the code.
"A penalty of not less than three months and not more than one year and a fine of not less than OMR1,000 and not more than OMR2,000 or either of these penalties, for any person who collects money from the public by any means and sends it outside the Sultanate without a licence from the competent authority," the code, updated last week, now states.