Myanmar's parliament has passed a law targeting online fraud, introducing the death penalty for the use of forced labor in scam centers, Bloomberg reports.

The legislation imposes penalties ranging from 10 years to life imprisonment for violence, torture, and illegal detention aimed at coercing individuals into online fraud. If victims die, the death penalty may be applied.

This is the first legislative act of Myanmar's new government led by former junta chief Min Aung Hlaing, who orchestrated the 2021 military coup that ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi and sparked an ongoing civil war.

In April, Min Aung Hlaing assumed the role of civilian president after elections held under tight restrictions. The law is seen as an attempt by the regime to leverage transnational security issues to overcome international isolation following the coup.

However, enforcement measures are likely to be limited, as large parts of the country remain under the control of warring armed groups, Bloomberg notes.

According to Myanmar's authorities, as of late June, 14,700 foreigners who illegally entered the country have been detained. Additionally, all 77 buildings used for illegal gambling and fraud operations in key border areas have been demolished.

Bloomberg highlights that since the pandemic, online scam networks have proliferated across Southeast Asia, turning Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos into hubs for transnational criminal syndicates targeting victims worldwide.

The UN estimates that annual losses from fraud in East Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand will reach between $88.3 billion and $114.1 billion by 2025.

Source: www.gazeta.uz