Myanmar’s Ministry of Home Affairs submitted a new Anti-Online Scam Bill to the Upper House of Parliament on June 3, proposing severe penalties including life imprisonment and the death penalty for major online fraud offenses.

The bill was introduced by Union Home Affairs Minister Lt-Gen Nyunt Win Swe, who said the legislation aims to prevent online scam operations from taking root in Myanmar, strengthen cooperation with foreign governments, combat cross-border cybercrime, and protect national stability and sovereignty.

The proposed law includes the formation of a central anti-scam committee, regional committees, and an Anti Scam Center to oversee prevention, investigations, information sharing, financial transaction freezes, and international cooperation.

It also seeks to establish a system for information sharing among banks, financial institutions, telecom providers, and government agencies, while allowing authorities to detain illegal foreign nationals linked to online scam operations and confiscate assets and profits obtained through such crimes.

Under the draft law, penalties range from one year in prison and fines for lesser offenses to 10 years to life imprisonment for serious violations. The harshest provision states that offenders convicted under Article 47 could face life imprisonment or the death penalty, with mandatory death sentences if the crime results in a person’s death.

Courts would also be empowered to destroy equipment used in cybercrime operations and confiscate or return seized assets and money connected to online scam activities.