The State Administration of Foreign Exchange recently released a report on China's anti-money laundering act.
 
China has achieved tremendous success in cracking down on money-laundering. By the end of June this year, more than 100 cases violating foreign exchange regulations have been investigated involving US$57 million. Another 100 cases are still under investigation amounting to a total of US$470 million.

Lu Zheng, an official with China's State Administration of Foreign Exchange, said that the annual report is China's first one against money laundering in the field of foreign exchange. It helps provide stability for China's financial industry.

"The issuing of the report is very helpful in maintaining Chinese financial order and purifying economic environment because it truly reflects the anti-money laundering condition in China. More important, the report raises people's awareness of money-laundering's hazard to the public."

The State Administration of Foreign Exchange is also strengthening its cooperation with financial institutions and public security departments to establish a well-managed and efficient anti-money laundering system.

Lu Zheng explained with this new system, money launderers will find it difficult to evade prosecution and punishment.

"Any financial institution that finds out extremely large sum of money or suspectable funds in the process of managing foreign exchange business should report the information to the State Administration of Foreign Exchange or its provincial-level branches. The doubtful one will be feedbacked to local branches for further examination."

He said the advanced information system will make the process of examining potential money-laundering cases much more efficient.

In addition to the domestic cooperation, the Administration is also intensifying communications with the international community. Since 2003, SAFE has invited officials and experts from the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, Asian Development Bank and other financial institutions to exchange useful information.

(CRI November 9, 2004)