Myanmar’s combined parliament on Tuesday approved an anti-online scam bill that imposes prison sentences of 10 years to life for cryptocurrency fraud and the operation of online scam centres. The measure forms part of efforts to confront a expanding cyberscam sector that has established hubs for digital fraud in parts of the country.

The Pyidaungsu Hluttaw passed the legislation in full after reconciling differences between earlier versions adopted by its two chambers. It remains unclear whether presidential assent has been granted or when the law will enter into force.

A draft released in May prohibited cryptocurrency scams and set penalties of 10 years to life imprisonment. The same draft authorised sentences of 10 years to life, or capital punishment, for violence, torture, unlawful arrest or detention used to compel individuals into online scams, with the death penalty mandated when such conduct results in death. The final version retains the capital-punishment provision and contains no substantial alterations to the draft’s core elements. The complete amended text has not yet been released.