{
  "id": 18219690,
  "title": "Zahid: 2026 Cyber Crime Bill allows courts to freeze scam proceeds before suspects are charged",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/05/zahid-2026-cyber-crime-bill-allows-courts-to-freeze-scam-proceeds",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-05T00:59:20.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/11/05/zahid-2026-cyber-crime-bill-allows-courts-to-freeze-scam-proceeds-before-suspects-are-charged/242021"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "According to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, the 2026 Cyber Crime Bill grants courts the authority to issue property restriction orders to curb the dissipation of scam proceeds, even prior to a suspect's charge. This provision, outlined in clause 54, empowers the court to implement measures such as cessation orders, restitution orders, compliance orders, and property restriction orders to safeguard victims of cybercrime. Applications for these orders can be submitted by the Public Prosecutor or authorized personnel. The bill, which was passed by Parliament in July, aims to address online scams leveraging artificial intelligence, including identity impersonation, deepfakes, and digital manipulation. Zahid, who serves as the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, addressed questions regarding the existing legal framework's adequacy in handling AI-based online fraud, as well as the need for more stringent measures to combat syndicates and protect victims.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 5 — The 2026 Cyber Crime Bill provides powers for the court to issue property restric...",
  "key_points": [
    "2026 Cyber Crime Bill grants courts authority to freeze scam proceeds before suspects charged.",
    "Bill passed in July to combat AI-based online scams and protect victims."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Bernama",
        "title": "General : Court Can Issue Property Restrictions On Illegally Gained Proceeds Under Cyber Crime Bill - Ahmad Zahid",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/04/general-court-can-issue-property-restrictions-on-illegally-gained",
        "published": "2026-11-04T14:25:51.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}