China plans to ban citizens convicted of cybercrime from leaving the country for up to three years after serving their sentences, under a new draft law.
A new draft law in China proposes banning citizens convicted of cybercrime from leaving the country for up to three years after they complete their prison sentences.
According to SCMP, the draft Cybercrime Prevention and Control Law, announced by the public security ministry, is open for public comment until next month.
It is seen as complementing the existing Anti-Telecom and Online Fraud Law that took effect in 2022.
The bill targets cybercrime and related activities both within and beyond China’s borders.
It seeks to restrict businesses and individuals that support cybercriminals, including companies providing payment platforms, servers, or recruitment services.
Actions such as “spreading fake news and fabricated information” for traffic or revenue could also lead to an exit ban upon conviction.
The legislation would allow authorities to act against mediators who use cryptocurrency to launder illegal gains.
It empowers China to block individuals outside the country from entering if they are found guilty of online crimes, regardless of where the offences occurred.
If passed, it would allow Chinese authorities to hold both citizens overseas and foreign entities legally accountable for cybercrime causing harm in China.
Online scams are a widespread problem, with many victims losing money.
Some Chinese nationals are recruited to Southeast Asia with promises of high-paying jobs, only to be trapped in scam operations.
The draft comes as China strengthens cooperation with Southeast Asian countries to tackle cross-border online fraud.
Exit bans are already used by Chinese authorities to prevent individuals involved in legal disputes from leaving mainland China.
Individuals are typically notified of the restriction only when they attempt to cross the border.
Last week, China executed 11 members of the Myanmar-based Ming family crime syndicate for fraud and murder.
On Monday, four members of the Bai family syndicate were also executed, with some of those executed being Myanmar nationals.
Earlier this month, Cambodia extradited billionaire scam boss Chen Zhi to China and revoked his Cambodian nationality.
Chen used cryptocurrency to launder proceeds from online scams.
His crypto assets, valued at about USD 15 billion, were seized by US authorities last year.
