Myanmar approves death penalty for cyber scams; Military recaptures strategic village in Sagaing Region

Shwe Kokko’s casino, entertainment and tourism complex in Myawaddy Township, Karen State, after Thailand cut electricity, internet and fuel supplies to five border areas in Myanmar

Myanmar approves death penalty for cyber scam offences

The speaker of the pro-military parliament that took office following the regime’s 2025-26 elections, which ended on Jan. 25, Aung Lin Dwe stated that he approved the “Anti-Online Scam Bill” on Tuesday. The law contains a maximum sentence of death or life imprisonment for individuals “who use violence, torture, or unlawful detention at cyber scam operations,” according to pro-military lawmakers in the capital Naypyidaw.

“There were not many significant changes to the proposed draft bill after discussions between the lower house and upper house. The important parts of the bill remained the same,” said Aye Chan, a member of Pyitthu Hluttaw, or lower house of parliament, for the military-proxy Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) representing Yangon’s Hlaing Tharyar Township. The USDP leads the current administration.

The “Anti-Online Scam Bill” was submitted by the regime’s Minister for Home Affairs Nyunt Win Swe to the Amyotha Hluttaw, or upper house of parliament, on June 3. The bill, which consists of 12 chapters and 63 sections, aims to “combat online fraud.” Drafted by the Central Committee for the Supervision of Online Fraud Prevention, the bill was first introduced to parliament on May 14. Read more on our website