Questions cloud laundering reports

China's State-owned broadcaster CCTV reported recently that Bank of China is suspected of sidestepping currency regulations to help would-be immigrants launder their money. In certain cases, the bank is said to have coordinated with immigration agencies to hide the origins of their clients' money.

With the help of a hidden camera, a manager at one of the bank's branches was filmed saying that all funds can be moved beyond China's borders.

Without more conclusive evidence, such statements alone are not enough to condemn the bank.

Indeed, the bank itself responded by stating that CCTV's reports contained factual discrepancies and the services it offers comply with all relevant regulations.

So far though, the public seems to be less than convinced - one poll of local Internet users found that over 70 percent believe the bank was complicit in illicitly transferring funds out of the country.

Given the intricacies of such services, authorities can hardly supervise every aspect of a bank's daily currency operations. Still, Bank of China and others should be aware of loopholes in their services.