China has introduced revisions to its Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Law, which took effect on January 1, 2025. The updated law aligns with international standards and includes provisions aimed at addressing financial activities linked to wildlife trafficking.
The revised AML Law expands the scope of predicate crimes for money laundering to include all criminal activities, including illegal wildlife trade. It also adopts a risk-based approach, enhances regulations for non-financial sectors, introduces beneficial ownership requirements, and strengthens penalties for non-compliance.
On December 29, 2024, TRAFFIC, in collaboration with Peking University Law School, hosted a forum in Beijing attended by 50 stakeholders from government agencies, financial institutions, academia, and non-governmental organizations. The event focused on integrating AML measures into efforts to combat wildlife crime.
Ms. Ling Xu, Director of TRAFFIC China, presented findings from TRAFFIC’s report on wildlife trafficking in China from 2017 to 2021. She emphasized the role of financial institutions in monitoring and reporting suspicious transactions linked to wildlife crime. A post-forum survey indicated that 88% of participants gained a better understanding of how AML regulations can support efforts to address wildlife trafficking.
TRAFFIC has been involved in efforts to incorporate AML strategies into wildlife crime investigations since 2022. With support from the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), the initiative has trained approximately 1,300 financial and law enforcement professionals on identifying and addressing financial flows related to wildlife trafficking. These efforts have included training sessions, cross-border AML cooperation seminars, and the development of specialized resources for financial practitioners.
While AML measures in wildlife crime investigations remain in the early stages, the revised law is expected to enhance enforcement efforts. Looking ahead to the CITES COP20 conference in Uzbekistan in November, AML strategies are anticipated to be a focal point in international discussions on combating wildlife crime.
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