Anti-Money Laundering : Myanmar's Position Statement on FATF Public Statement

The Anti-Money Laundering Central Body on July 31 issued a statement responding to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) public statement of June 19, 2026, reaffirming Myanmar's commitment to combating money laundering, terrorist financing, online scams, and cyber-enabled fraud. The statement noted that while FATF acknowledged fraud and cyber scam activities in Myanmar remain a significant illicit finance risk, it also recognized the country's efforts, including establishing a national committee to combat online fraud and strengthening regional and international cooperation. Myanmar said online scams are part of broader transnational criminal networks operating across Southeast Asia and beyond. The government highlighted measures already taken, including the formation of the Central Supervisory Committee for the Prevention and Suppression of Online Scams and Online Gambling, preparations for a National Anti-Scam Centre, drafting an Anti-Online Scam Law, enacting a new Anti-Money Laundering Law in 2026, prosecuting scam operators, repatriating victims, deporting illegal foreign entrants, dismantling scam compounds, and expanding cooperation with neighboring countries and international partners. Myanmar also reiterated that cryptocurrencies have been prohibited as legal tender since 2020 and said investigations have found no evidence that cryptocurrency proceeds from online scams have entered the country's regulated financial system. According to the statement, Myanmar has completed 13 of the 15 action items under the FATF Action Plan since being placed on the FATF's high-risk jurisdiction list in October 2022, with two remaining. Myanmar remains committed to implementing FATF recommendations and called for continued international technical assistance, information sharing, and capacity-building to address transnational organized crime.