VIENNA, Jan 16, 2010 (AFP) - A new Austrian law, under which athletes who are found guilty of doping can be jailed for up to 10 years on charges of fraud, comes into force in January.

The amendment to the country's criminal and penal law was passed in mid-December to strengthen anti-doping sanctions after a string of scandals involving Austrian cyclists and biathletes.
Under the new law, anyone found guilty of doping - whether by taking banned substances or using other methods - could now face between one and three years in prison for fraud, and up to 10 years if the damage exceeds 50,000 euros (71,700 dollars).

As with serious fraud however, prosecutors will have to prove personal gain, deliberate deception and financial damage to others - starting as low as 100 euros (144 dollars).

“Whoever turns to doping, commits fraud,” Sports Minister Norbert Darabos said when he presented the amendment in November.