Myanmar’s military-led government has introduced a draft law that would impose severe punishments on individuals involved in crypto-related scam operations, including life imprisonment and, in extreme cases, the death penalty.
Key Highlights
- The proposed Anti-Online Scam Bill targets operators running digital currency fraud schemes and online scam compounds.
- Individuals convicted of managing crypto scam centers could face prison sentences ranging from 10 years to life imprisonment.
- The draft law also allows capital punishment for those accused of using violence, torture, unlawful detention, or coercion to force people into online scam activities.
- Myanmar’s military-backed parliament is expected to review the legislation during its next session in early June.
A Tougher Crackdown on Digital Fraud
The proposal marks one of the strongest legal actions Myanmar has taken against cyber-enabled financial crime. Authorities say the bill is designed to address the growing use of digital currencies in cross-border scam networks operating across Southeast Asia.
The legislation is also notable because it is the first major bill introduced under the administration led by Min Aung Hlaing, who formally assumed the civilian presidency last month following the military-led transition of power.
If passed, the law could significantly increase legal risks for operators involved in crypto fraud and online scam syndicates across the region.
