Myanmar’s parliament has introduced a controversial new bill proposing the death penalty for people involved in serious online scam operations as authorities attempt to confront the country’s rapidly growing cybercrime industry.
The proposed law, known as the “Anti-Online Scam Bill,” includes severe punishments for individuals running or participating in online fraud schemes.
Under the bill, people involved in cryptocurrency scams could face life imprisonment, while suspects connected to torture, illegal detention, abuse or coercion linked to scam operations could receive death sentences.
Myanmar has increasingly become one of Asia’s biggest centers for online fraud networks, particularly since the country descended deeper into civil conflict following the 2021 military coup.
International investigators and human rights groups say criminal syndicates have taken advantage of the instability to establish scam compounds across parts of Myanmar, especially near border regions.
Thousands of victims from different countries across Asia and beyond have reportedly been trafficked into these compounds after being promised fake jobs.
Many later described being forced to participate in online investment scams, cryptocurrency fraud, romance scams and fake customer service operations targeting victims worldwide.
Survivors have also reported torture, beatings, electric shocks and unlawful detention inside some scam camps when they attempted to escape or failed to meet fraud targets set by criminal groups.
The United Nations and regional governments have repeatedly raised concerns about the growing scale of organized cybercrime networks operating in Myanmar and neighboring countries.
Authorities in countries including China, Thailand and Malaysia have launched investigations into trafficking routes and financial crimes connected to scam syndicates in the region.
Myanmar’s proposed law is now expected to face further debate in parliament before any final approval.
Officials say the legislation is intended not only to punish cybercriminals but also to improve cooperation with other countries fighting transnational fraud operations.
Critics, however, argue that Myanmar’s military-led authorities face accusations of failing to fully dismantle the criminal networks earlier despite years of warnings from international organizations.
Human rights groups are also expected to raise concerns about the proposed use of capital punishment, especially in a country already facing international criticism over human rights violations linked to the ongoing civil war.
Cyber fraud has become one of the fastest-growing criminal industries in Southeast Asia in recent years, generating billions of dollars annually through fake investments, cryptocurrency schemes and online deception targeting victims around the world.
