Myanmar’s parliament has passed a new law authorising the death penalty for individuals who abduct, detain or violently force people to work in online scam centres, marking the first legislation enacted under the country’s new civilian-led government.
The Anti-Online Scam Bill was approved on Tuesday during a joint sitting of both chambers of the Union Parliament in the capital, Naypyidaw. Parliament Speaker Aung Lin Dwe announced the passage of the bill during a live television broadcast.
Lawmaker Aye Chan confirmed that the capital punishment provision remained in the final version of the legislation despite parliamentary deliberations.
According to him, only minor adjustments were made to the draft law, while its key provisions, including the death sentence for serious offences linked to online scam operations, were retained.
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The legislation provides severe penalties ranging from 10 years’ imprisonment to life sentences and capital punishment for those convicted of unlawful detention, torture and violent coercion connected to cyber scam compounds.
Myanmar has become one of Southeast Asia’s major centres for transnational cyber fraud, with organised criminal syndicates operating heavily guarded compounds where trafficked victims are allegedly forced to carry out online scams targeting people across the world.
Many survivors who have been repatriated to their home countries have recounted being lured to Myanmar under false pretences before being subjected to abuse and forced into fraudulent online operations.
The new law is the first major legislation introduced under President Min Aung Hlaing, who assumed office after transitioning from military rule following elections held earlier this year.
Hlaing previously led the 2021 military coup that removed the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi, sparking an ongoing civil conflict.
The legislation comes amid increasing pressure from neighbouring countries and regional partners on Myanmar to dismantle criminal networks responsible for cross-border cyber fraud and human trafficking.
