Myanmar Enacts Death Penalty for Coercive Scam Labor, Life Sentences for Crypto Fraud

Myanmar's New Anti-Online Scam Legislation

On Tuesday, Myanmar’s military-backed parliament passed the Anti-Online Scam Bill, introducing severe penalties for those involved in coercive online scams. This marks the first legislative action under the military administration led by Min Aung Hlaing.

The new law imposes the death penalty on individuals who use violence or unlawful detention to force others into participating in scams. If such coercion results in the victim's death, the law mandates capital punishment. Additionally, those operating scam centers or involved in digital currency scams can face life imprisonment, while coercive actions can lead to sentences ranging from 10 years to life.

Lower house MP Aye Chan confirmed to AFP that the death penalty remained unchanged in the final bill, which is yet to be fully published. The legislation is a response to escalating concerns over online scams, with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime estimating that losses from these scams in the region could reach between $88.3 billion and $114.1 billion by 2025.

This bill is significant as it is the first law passed since Min Aung Hlaing assumed the role of civilian president in April, following the military coup in 2021. The constitution allocates a quarter of parliamentary seats to military representatives, with the ruling military party securing a majority in the elections that excluded Aung San Suu Kyi's party.