Myanmar's parliament has passed a law targeting online scams, including severe penalties such as the death penalty for certain offenses.
The parliament in Myanmar, which is backed by the military, has enacted the Anti-Online Scam Bill designed to tackle online fraud. Aung Lin Dwe, the Speaker of the Union Parliament, confirmed the bill's approval on July 28 during a joint session held in Naypyidaw, according to AFP reports.
Lawmaker Ai Chan stated that the legislation includes a controversial provision allowing for the death penalty. Originally proposed in May, the bill outlines severe penalties for crimes such as violence, torture, unlawful detention, or mistreatment aimed at forcing individuals into online scams. If these actions lead to a victim's death, the death penalty is mandated.
Earlier drafts of the bill suggested life imprisonment as the maximum punishment for those operating scam centers and engaging in cryptocurrency fraud. The lower house had approved the bill after modifications from the upper house and the Legislative Committee in June.
Background
In September 2025, the U.S. Treasury sanctioned multiple entities in Myanmar and Cambodia for their roles in cryptocurrency fraud. One notorious scam center, KK Park, has been linked to numerous fraudulent schemes, including fake investments and romantic scams. In a notable incident in October, nearly 700 individuals escaped from this center after a raid.
Online scams are rampant along Myanmar's borders, exacerbated by the ongoing civil war. Authorities have previously attempted to curb these activities by restricting internet access in border areas, yet reports indicate that scam centers continue to operate, with many utilizing Starlink satellite internet for their activities.
In May 2026, the FBI reported the seizure of over 127,000 BTC, valued at around $8 billion, during a global crackdown on scam centers, resulting in nearly 300 arrests and the rescue of approximately 2,000 individuals.
