Myanmar’s military-backed parliament has approved a new law that authorizes the death penalty for individuals who forcibly coerce or detain victims to work in online scam operations. The measure, passed during a joint parliamentary session in the capital, Naypyidaw, on Tuesday, targets the growing problem of internet fraud factories that have proliferated in the country, particularly amid ongoing conflict.
The legislation, officially known as the “Anti-Online Scam Bill,” was announced by parliament speaker Aung Lin Dwe during a live broadcast. According to lower house lawmaker Aye Chan, the final version of the law retains the death sentence provision for severe offences. “There were not many significant changes to the proposed draft bill... the important parts of the bill remained the same,” Aye Chan stated.
Earlier drafts of the bill, released in May, prescribed penalties including 10 years to life imprisonment and capital punishment for crimes involving violence, torture, unlawful detention, or cruel treatment aimed at forcing individuals to participate in online scams. The law stipulates that if a scam offence results in death, the death penalty shall be applied. Additionally, the draft prescribed life imprisonment for those who operate scam centres or engage in cryptocurrency-related scams.
Myanmar has become a hub for online fraud schemes targeting global audiences with tactics such as romance cons and fraudulent cryptocurrency investments. These so-called “scam factories” reportedly exploit both willing employees seeking income and trafficked victims subjected to coercion and abuse. Several repatriated foreign nationals have described harsh conditions, including torture, at facilities run by illicit operators.
The law marks the first major legislative action by Myanmar’s post-coup government, led by Min Aung Hlaing, the former military chief who seized power in a 2021 coup that triggered widespread unrest and armed conflict. Under international pressure from countries including the United States and China, the government has vowed to tackle the illicit online scam industry. However, observers note that while law enforcement efforts have led to raids and arrests, many scam operations have simply relocated to other parts of the region rather than ending activities outright.
The passage of this stringent anti-scam legislation signals Myanmar’s attempt to impose harsher penalties aimed at curbing a rapidly expanding criminal sector linked to broader issues of trafficking, violence, and corruption amid the country’s volatile political environment.