Fighting Corruption The Successful Formula

Government Determination
Government’s determination and support is the first and foremost factor in the
successful fight against corruption. The Hong Kong Government’s top leadership
firmly believes fighting corruption is essential to maintain the prosperity and
competitiveness of Hong Kong as an international city. On a number of occasions,
the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Region Administration reiterated
the firm commitment of the Government to fight corruption. This is backed up by
adequate resource and financial support. A dedicated work force of over 1,300
staff and a handsome annual budget of US$ 90 million ensure that the ICAC
remains as an independent effective agency with maximum flexibility in its
operation.
Strong Legislation
Corruption is one of the most difficult crimes to detect. The second important
factor to help an anti-corruption agency to achieve results is strong enforcement
powers. The ICAC owes its success to a sound legal framework which gives us
the necessary powers to do the job effectively. For example, ICAC investigators
are empowered to examine bank accounts and business and private documents. In
certain circumstance, suspects are required to give details of their asset, income
and expenditure. ICAC officers are given powers similar to the police to arrest
without warrant any person suspected of committing a corruption offence, detain

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suspects for up to 48 hours for further enquiry and grant bail to persons arrested.
Our ordinances also empower investigators to search suspects and premises, as
well as to seize travel documents or restrain a suspect from disposing of his
property by a court’s order.
The legislation also provides the ICAC with the necessary authority to educate the
public, examine the procedures and practices in the public sector and to advise on
changes that are necessary to prevent corruption.
Public Support
The support of the community is the third factor of success. To raise and sustain
the public’s corruption prevention awareness requires a comprehensive and long-
term programme to promote and foster community support. In addition to broad
community-based programmes using the mass media, the ICAC develops specific
programmes for targeted sectors of the community, for example, the youth, the
businessmen as well as professional and technical personnel in various fields.
These activities explain anti-bribery laws in layman’s language, educate the young
at schools and universities, and encourage business organisations to adopt
corporate codes of conduct and corruption prevention measures. These
outreaching activities are carried out through the operation of eight regional
community offices that are readily accessible to the public.