Myanmar's parliament approved a sweeping anti-online scam bill on July 29, 2026, introducing penalties of 10 years to life imprisonment for cryptocurrency scams and operating scam centers. The legislation is the country's most aggressive move yet against digital fraud, which has proliferated across Southeast Asia in recent years.
What the bill covers
The bill targets a broad range of online scams, with specific provisions for crypto-related fraud and the operation of scam centers — often large-scale operations that trick victims into sending money or cryptocurrency. Lawmakers voted to pass the measure after months of debate over how to curb a growing wave of cybercrime that has ensnared both local citizens and foreign victims.
Penalties for crypto scams
Under the new law, individuals convicted of cryptocurrency scams face a minimum of 10 years in prison and could receive life sentences. The same penalties apply to those found running scam centers, which have been linked to human trafficking and forced labor in the region. The severity of the punishment signals Myanmar's intent to treat digital fraud as a serious criminal offense on par with violent crimes.
Next steps
The bill now awaits formal enactment after parliamentary approval. Details on implementation, including which agency will enforce the law and how it will apply to foreign nationals operating from Myanmar, have not yet been released. The legislation is expected to take effect once published in the official gazette.
