Myanmar Slams Brakes on Crypto Scam Industry with Harsh Penalties
Myanmar's Parliament has passed an anti-online scam bill aimed at curbing the country's growing cyberscam industry, which has turned parts of the country into hubs for online fraud. The legislation imposes prison terms ranging from 10 years to life for crypto scams and operating online scam centers.
The bill was approved by the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, Myanmar's combined Parliament, on Tuesday after resolving differences between versions previously passed by its two chambers. According to MP Aye Chan, the final version retained the death-penalty provision.
The legislation also allows sentences of 10 years to life or 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. The report did not say whether the bill had received presidential assent or when it would take effect.