Top academics promote collaboration via anti-money laundering strategies to combat illegal wildlife trade
In partnership with the Criminal Law Research Center of Wuhan University, TRAFFIC has initiated a webinar series to inspire public and private sectors to disrupt illegal wildlife trade supply chains using anti-money laundering (AML) measures.
Attended by top Chinese AML academic experts, the inaugural webinar held on 20 June serves as a constructive follow-up to the Anti-Money Laundering Forum last November, aiming to engage a broader audience in exploring effective strategies to combat illegal wildlife trade (IWT).
Professor Hongxian MO opened the event with remarks emphasising the importance of disrupting the financial flow of wildlife crime syndicates as a promising measure of crime governance. She highlighted the need for a multidisciplinary approach, involving experts in legal, finance, enforcement, justice, governance, and wildlife conservation, to explore solutions in this emerging field. The webinar series is intended to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and facilitate future cooperation.
Combating IWT through Anti-money laundering measures remains a top priority for traffic. We have been actively engaged in Ongoing efforts and are fully prepared to support stakeholders in employing a ‘follow-the-money’ strategy to tackle wildlife crime effectively at both national and international levels.
Ling XU, TRAFFIC China Programme Director
Professor Xin WANG from the Law School of Peking University introduced the relevant international and China’s AML laws and regulations, explaining the link between wildlife crime and money laundering.
Professor Lixin YAN, Executive Director of China Centre for Anti-Money Laundering Studies at Fudan University, provided an overview of the evolution of China's anti-money laundering legislation and supervision. He detailed the pathways of illegal funds through the IWT supply chain, the methods of concealing illegal proceeds and the challenges and strategies for financial institutions.
Professor Ping HE from the Criminal Law School of East China University of Political Science and Law offered a comprehensive overview of the current state of IWT, the legal provisions against IWT and money laundering, and the roles and obligations of financial institutions in this fight.
Lastly, Linda CHOU, TRAFFIC’s AML Project Manager, concluded the session with a presentation of the international IWT money laundering cases that resonated with the themes discussed by the academic panel.
This webinar attracted over 60 participants from academia, government authorities of management, law enforcement agencies, and the justice sector. The series is planned to be held quarterly, tailored to meet the needs of related stakeholders.
Notes:
This event was kindly supported by The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs.
About Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL):
Funded by the United States Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs. The opinions, finds and conclusions stated herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the United States Department of State.
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