Myanmar Parliament Introduces Death Penalty for Scam Center Organizers

Such centers have become widespread in Myanmar in recent years. Their victims are internet users worldwide who are deceived through fake romantic encounters, investment offers, and other fraudulent schemes, including those related to cryptocurrencies.

According to reports from people who have returned from Myanmar, foreigners were often forced to work in such centers against their will. They were held in slavery, subjected to torture, and compelled to participate in online fraud.

Under pressure from the international community, including the USA and China, the country's authorities have promised to intensify the fight against this criminal industry. However, until now, police operations and arrests have mainly led only to the relocation of fraud centers to other areas, rather than to the cessation of their activities.

The adopted law largely replicates the draft presented back in May. It provides for penalties ranging from ten years to life imprisonment, as well as the death penalty for forcing people to participate in online fraud using violence, torture, or unlawful detention.

The death penalty is also provided for members of criminal groups if their actions led to the death of victims. Individuals who manage scam centers or organize cryptocurrency fraud can be sentenced to life imprisonment.

This is the first law adopted by Myanmar's new government led by Min Aung Hlaing. He spearheaded the military coup in 2021, after which the country's elected civilian leadership was overthrown and a civil war began. In April 2026, Min Aung Hlaing became civilian president after elections held without opposition participation and criticized by Western countries.

According to expert estimates, Myanmar's parliament now effectively approves all decisions of the military authorities, as the majority of its members are military personnel.

Following the new leadership's ascent to power, the application of the death penalty resumed in the country after a long hiatus. Human rights organizations assert that it is primarily used against opponents of the military regime. According to UN data, by 2022, more than 130 people in Myanmar had already been sentenced to death.

Meanwhile, China is also intensifying its fight against cross-border online fraud. According to available information, this year at least 15 people convicted of fraud related to scam centers in Myanmar have been executed in the country.

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