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Myanmar parliament approves anti-online scam bill with life penalties
The law targets both crypto scams and the operation of online scam centers, with the draft originally proposing prison terms from 10 years to life.
Myanmar lawmakers have passed an anti-online scam bill that would impose prison terms of 10 years to life for crypto scams and for operating online scam centers, according to Cointelegraph citing the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar (GNLM).
The Pyidaungsu Hluttaw approved the legislation in full after resolving differences between versions previously passed by its two chambers, the outlet reported. Cointelegraph also noted that the GNLM report did not say whether the bill had received presidential assent or when it would take effect.
Cointelegraph said the measure is aimed at curbing Myanmar’s growing online fraud industry, which has turned parts of the country into hubs for cyber scams. A draft published in May would have prohibited crypto scams and set penalties ranging from 10 years to life imprisonment.
The bill also includes harsher consequences for coercive violence tied to online scams, Cointelegraph reported. It describes provisions for up to 10 years to life, and capital punishment, for violence, torture, unlawful arrest, or detention used to force people into online scams, with the death penalty required when the conduct causes death, citing a Strait Times report using a statement from Lower House MP Aye Chan.