Following the Money: China strengthens national efforts to stop wildlife crime at its source
China has just taken a major step forward in tackling wildlife trafficking by strengthening its national anti-money laundering framework to target the financial drivers behind the illegal wildlife trade.
This milestone follows a nationwide capacity building programme led by TRAFFIC, Wuhan University, and partner institutions. Between June 2024 and September 2025, the initiative delivered six expert-led webinars to more than 650 professionals across the justice, finance, and law enforcement sectors, equipping them with the tools to ‘follow the money' behind wildlife crime.
Wildlife trafficking remains a multi-billion-dollar criminal industry that moves money across borders using increasingly complex financial channels, including digital platforms. Strengthening financial scrutiny is therefore one of the most effective ways to disrupt criminal networks before wildlife is traded or transported.
The training brought together leading experts, including Professor Hongxian Mo (Wuhan University), Professor Xin Wang (Peking University), Professor Lixin Yan (Fudan University), and Professor Ping He (East China University of Political Science and Law), to explain how illegal profits flow through banking systems, supply chains, and digital platforms, and how these red flags can be detected within China’s regulatory framework.
In another session, Professor Wei Chen (Southwest University of Political Science and Law), along with officials from the Anti-Smuggling Bureau of the General Administration of China Customs and legal professionals, helped translate complex laws and regulations into practical guidance. Their expertise ensured the sessions reflected China’s updated Anti-Money Laundering Law from 2025 and stressed the importance of cross-border cooperation.
Professor Zunyou Zhou (South-Central Minzu University), Associate Professor Xulong Zhuang (Soochow University), and prosecutors from the Beijing Dongcheng People’s Procuratorate demonstrated how to track illegal funds, freeze suspicious assets, and build stronger criminal cases.
One hybrid session engaged 138 customs officers in person and over 300 online, helping them detect money laundering in trade transactions and respond to emerging challenges, such as cryptocurrency misuse and other digital tools criminals use to conceal illicit financial activity.
Overall, the series has strengthened collaboration between TRAFFIC, academic partners, enforcement agencies, and financial institutions, creating a stronger, long-term network dedicated to identifying and disrupting illicit financial flows linked to wildlife trafficking.
Disrupting wildlife crime networks requires sophisticated anti-money laundering tools combined with collaborative action among stakeholders. TRAFFIC is committed to fostering this dual approach, strengthening financial intelligence capabilities while building the partnerships essential for real conservation impact,"
commented Ms. Ling Xu, Director of TRAFFIC China.
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