Myanmar Bill Proposes Death Penalty for Scam Coercion and Life Imprisonment for Crypto Fraud
Myanmar’s military-backed government has introduced a tough new draft law targeting online scam operations. The proposed “Anti-Online Scam Bill” includes the death penalty for forcing people into scam centers and life imprisonment for running such facilities or committing crypto-related fraud.
Key Provisions of the Draft Bill
According to local media reports, the bill allows capital punishment for anyone using violence, torture, unlawful arrest, detention, or cruel treatment to force victims into online scams.
It also proposes life imprisonment for individuals who operate scam centers or engage in cryptocurrency fraud schemes. The legislation aims to crack down on the growing cybercrime networks operating within the country.
A new committee will be formed to improve international cooperation against these scams. Myanmar’s parliament is expected to discuss the bill in the first week of June 2026.
Why This Bill Matters
Myanmar has faced heavy international criticism for allowing fortified scam compounds, especially in conflict zones. Trafficked victims are often forced to run large-scale online frauds, including fake crypto investment schemes that target people worldwide.
In September 2025, the U.S. Treasury sanctioned multiple entities in Myanmar’s Shwe Kokko region and Cambodia for their alleged role in crypto scams involving debt bondage and violence.
Rising Global Impact of Crypto Scams
Crypto fraud continues to cause massive losses globally. The FBI’s 2025 Internet Crime Report revealed that cryptocurrency-related scams resulted in $11.4 billion in losses. More than half of all reported internet crime losses were linked to crypto schemes, with seniors alone losing $4.4 billion.
