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State Council Cracks Down on Money Laundering with New Regulations
In Beijing, the State Council has introduced new regulations aimed at combating the growing menace of money laundering in China. These regulations are designed to tighten the noose around financial institutions and individuals suspected of engaging in illicit activities.
New Regulations for Financial Institutions
According to the new regulations, financial institutions are required to:
- Establish internal control systems for anti-money laundering
- Conduct employee training on anti-money laundering procedures
- Report suspicious transactions to the authorities
Failure to comply with these regulations can result in severe penalties, including:
- Fines ranging from RMB 200,000 to RMB 500,000
- Suspension of business operations
Law Enforcement Agencies Given New Powers
The State Council has also given law enforcement agencies the power to freeze funds temporarily if there is a suspicion of money laundering. The investigation organ will decide whether or not to continue freezing the funds after conducting an initial probe.
Strict Penalties for Non-Compliance
Financial institutions that fail to perform their anti-money laundering obligations can face:
- Fines ranging from RMB 200,000 to RMB 500,000
- Revocation of business licenses in extreme cases
Individuals found guilty of money laundering can also face severe punishment, including imprisonment and fines.
A Major Step Forward for China’s Fight Against Money Laundering
The new regulations are seen as a major step forward in China’s fight against money laundering. The country has been criticized in the past for its lax laws and lack of enforcement when it comes to combating financial crimes.
“We welcome these new regulations,” said Wang Jing, an expert on anti-money laundering at the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences. “China needs strong laws and enforcement mechanisms to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. These regulations will help to strengthen our financial system and protect our citizens.”
International Cooperation
The regulations are part of China’s efforts to comply with international standards for anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing.
“We believe that international cooperation is key to defeating money laundering,” said a spokesperson for the State Council. “We will continue to work closely with our international partners to ensure that our financial system remains secure and stable.”
China has also pledged to work closely with other countries to share information and best practices in combating money laundering.