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Money laundering and illicit flows from China – the real estate problem

Mohammed Ahmad Naheem (Seven Foundation, Zurich, Switzerland)

Journal of Money Laundering Control

ISSN: 1368-5201

Article publication date: 3 January 2017

16762

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to review some of the current challenges that international money laundering schemes are posing for the Chinese banking sector. Anti-money laundering (AML) systems in China are relatively new, and customer due diligence checks and other AML systems are underdeveloped in some areas.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper considers the specific issues that laundering money through the real estate sector poses to the Chinese banking system and other global banks that could be in receipt of illicit funds from China. The paper also discusses the source of most of China’s illicit flows, which are believed to be from corruption and financial crime offences rather than drug or organised criminal gangs.

Findings

The paper uses empirical evidence, including media coverage and academic studies from other authors working on this issue, and supports the need to develop stronger risk-based systems, as opposed to rules-based systems, for managing AML risk assessment. Previous work by the author and suggestions from other authors are both used to suggest a basic framework for AML risk assessment.

Originality/value

The paper concludes by reiterating the fact that China like all other countries is now operating in an international banking context, in much the same way that international organised crime is also operating at a global level. It also emphasises that real estate remains a targeted sector for criminals seeking to launder funds.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

Please note that this paper was composed and submitted for review to this journal in July 2015.

All the content was correct at that point of time (July 2015). The banking industry is constantly evolving, and new material from academic research is also emerging. These points need to be taken into consideration when reading this paper.

The author acknowledges being a recipient of a research grant awarded by Princess Alae as part of Seven Foundation’s “2020 Banking Vision – building banks of the future” and thanks her for the continued support and motivation both to himself and other students who benefit through her generosity (www.sevenfoundation.ch). The author also thanks Professor Muhammad Juma`h (a leading economist of this era in the world at present, based in Damascus) who has continued to provide valuable input both through his teaching of the science of economics and for his continued guidance.

Citation

Naheem, M.A. (2017), "Money laundering and illicit flows from China – the real estate problem", Journal of Money Laundering Control, Vol. 20 No. 1, pp. 15-26. https://doi.org/10.1108/JMLC-08-2015-0030

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2017, Emerald Publishing Limited

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