Myanmar Passes Bill to Combat Crypto Scams with Life Imprisonment and Death Penalty

Myanmar's Parliament has passed a bill aimed at combating cryptocurrency scams and online fraud. The Anti-Online Scam Bill, which was approved on July 28, includes provisions for prison terms of up to life imprisonment for operating an online scam centre or committing digital currency fraud.

The bill also allows for the death penalty in cases where violence, torture, or other cruel treatment is used to force individuals into scam work. The legislation establishes a central committee and regional bodies to coordinate efforts against scams, as well as an Anti-Scam Centre to oversee operations.

Human Rights Myanmar had expressed concerns that the bill's surveillance powers could be used against journalists, civil society groups, and political opponents.