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 this research paper launch, Kathryn Westmore draws upon her SOC ACE research programme Exploring the threat of Chinese professional money laundering. She 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 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.  

Kathryn Westmore is Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Finance and Security, and the launch will be held, in person only, at RUSI, 61 Whitehall, London. SW1A 2ET.

Register for the event at the RUSI website here .

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.  

Join us for a panel discussion launching our research paper investigating the proliferation and success of Chinese money laundering operations.

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. 

• Phil Brickell MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Anti-Corruption and member of the Foreign Affairs Committee 

• Other speakers will be announced in due course. 

• 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 rusievents@rusi.org. 

The paper will be available on the SOC ACE website here, from 10:00 am Wednesday 12 November 2025.