Overview 

Within a relatively short period of time, Chinese money laundering organisations (CMLOs) have become one of the pre-eminent global money laundering threats. Using centuries-old techniques, modern-day CMLOs have evolved into multi-billion-dollar operations, providing quick, cheap and efficient money-laundering services to transnational organised crime groups, including those based in Northern America and Europe. 

In a new research paper funded by the Serious Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Evidence (SOC ACE) Research Programme, Kathryn Westmore, Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Finance and Security, explores why, and how, CMLOs have become so successful and whether the threat they pose should be considered a 'state threat'. The paper seeks to understand whether there is any evidence to suggest that CMLOs operating in the West are doing so at the direction or encouragement of the Chinese state in order to inform strategic, policy and operational responses.  

The event will include headline findings from the research, followed by an expert panel discussion that will consider the implications of the research and potential responses to the threat of CMLOs. It will be followed by networking drinks.  

The SOC ACE Research Programme is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the UK Government’s official policies.  


Panelists

  • Kathryn Westmore, Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Finance and Security . 
  • Adrian Searle, Senior Associate Fellow, RUSI and former Director of the National Economic Crime Centre. 
  • Other speakers will be announced in due course. 

Joining Instructions

This is an in-person only event, taking place at RUSI, 61 Whitehall, London, SW1A 2ET.

Please register your interest in attending this event. We will confirm by email by November 5 if you have been selected to attend. This event is 'on the record,' and a recording of the session will be available online afterwards. 

Doors will open at 1630 with the event starting at 1700. A networking reception will be held after the panel from 1800. If you have any questions regarding this event, please email [email protected]