Home > Journals > WMLR > Vol. 67 (2025-2026) > Iss. 6 (2026)
William & Mary Law Review
Abstract
This Note argues that anti-money laundering (AML) laws have the potential to serve as powerful tools in disrupting and degrading the support networks that enable and sustain PRC offensive cyber operations. [...] Part I provides an overview of the PRC’s cyber force structure and the national objectives it seeks to achieve through state-sponsored cyber operations. Part II examines the existing legal mechanisms employed to combat PRC MCA [Malicious Cyber Activity], including criminal charges, sanctions, export controls, investment restrictions, civil lawsuits, and other regulatory measures. Part III introduces AML laws as an additional tool in the legal and regulatory toolkit used to disrupt, degrade, and deny PRC MCA by focusing on the operations-adjacent cyber support ecosystem precariously tethered to global financial networks. Part IV explores recent domestic legislative proposals and opportunities for collaboration with international partners to enhance AML enforcement efforts.
This abstract has been taken from the author's introduction.