Myanmar Parliament Approves Bill Mandating Death Penalty for Online Scam Recruiters

Myanmar's parliament has approved a stringent anti-online scam bill, introducing penalties ranging from 10 years to life imprisonment, and even the death penalty, for individuals forcing others to work in fraudulent online operations. The bill passed during a joint session of both houses, with lawmakers agreeing to several amendments.

The legislation targets the growing number of online scam and fraudulent call centers that have emerged in recent years, particularly in areas near the Thai border. Myanmar authorities have intensified their crackdown on these operations, participating in international programs and independently dismantling scam centers.

This move follows a significant joint operation in February-March 2024 involving law enforcement from China, Thailand, and Myanmar. That operation led to the arrest and deportation of thousands implicated in fraudulent activities, including those who were coerced into working for these scams. In one instance, Myanmar law enforcement rescued nine Russian citizens from a phone fraud ring and handed them over to Russian diplomats for repatriation.

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Parliament Speaker Uni U Aung Lin Dwe said in remarks carried by state-owned MRTV, as quoted by ANTARA.