Chinese prosecutors have pledged to intensify collaboration with Southeast Asian counterparts to fight corruption, cross-border money laundering, and gambling-linked financial crimes. The announcement came from Ying Yong, Prosecutor-General of the Supreme People’s Procuratorate (SPP), ahead of the 15th China-ASEAN Prosecutors-General Conference in Hong Kong.
Expanding Focus of China-ASEAN Prosecutors Conference
Since 2004, the conference has broadened its agenda beyond transnational organized crime and drug trafficking. In addition, participants now address cyber fraud, online gambling, and asset recovery. This year’s theme focuses on corruption and money laundering in the technological age, which officials note are increasingly intertwined with cross-border betting and financial fraud.
Ying Yong emphasized:
“With the rapid evolution of new technologies, such as big data, cloud computing, blockchain, and artificial intelligence, money laundering now employs novel methods and occurs more frequently, often in conjunction with other offences.”
He also warned that criminals use virtual currencies and underground banks to move illicit funds overseas, making enforcement more complex.
China’s Strong Penalties and Enforcement Data
China has previously sentenced offenders involved in cross-border gambling crimes to life imprisonment and imposed fines of up to RMB 800,000 (US$110,000). Official figures indicate that from January 2024 to June 2025, authorities indicted over 39,000 people for duty-related crimes. Among these, 8,050 cases involved sectors like finance and energy, and 4,698 prosecutions concerned individuals repeatedly offering large bribes.
Moreover, prosecutors reported that annual money laundering prosecutions increased by more than 11% between 2022 and 2024. These statistics highlight the government’s intensified focus on combating financial crime.
Gambling-Linked Crime and High-Profile Cases
Recent crackdowns demonstrate how gambling often connects with other serious offences. In 2025, China’s Supreme Court emphasized that illegal cross-border betting syndicates contribute to violent crimes, including kidnappings and even homicides. For example, one Macau-based operation reportedly generated RMB 300 million (US$41 million) in illicit profits.
Coordinated Anti-Money Laundering Efforts
The SPP is actively cooperating with the People’s Bank of China and the Ministry of Public Security to monitor money flows, exchange intelligence, and issue early warnings. Furthermore, China participates in discussions at the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to help shape global anti-money laundering standards.
By strengthening regional cooperation and targeting cross-border financial crimes linked to gambling, China and ASEAN prosecutors aim to improve enforcement efficiency and reduce criminal networks’ operational reach.
