The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) in Hong Kong celebrated its 50th anniversary with an open day event, offering visitors a glimpse into the agency's work and technology. The event, which attracted around 6,000 attendees, showcased the ICAC's video interview room, identification parade facilities, and newly developed virtual reality (VR) investigation training system. This was the 11th edition of the ICAC's open days, and the first since pandemic-related restrictions were lifted. The event aimed to engage the public and provide insight into the agency's efforts in combating corruption [6a36bf59].
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) of Thailand participated in the 8th Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) Symposium in Hong Kong from May 22 to 23, 2024. The Thai delegation included Commissioner Mr. Manrat Ratanasukon, Ms. Wanwara Silpawilawan, Director of the Bureau of International Affairs and Investigation, and other key officers. The symposium served as a global platform for over 500 participants to share insights on emerging challenges, innovative initiatives, and strategies to combat corruption. Discussions emphasized the significance of international collaboration for sustainable anti-corruption efforts and aimed to fortify international cooperation among anti-corruption officials [c7756064].
In other news, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in Bangladesh has formed a committee to investigate allegations of corruption against former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed and his family. The decision to launch the investigation was made on April 18, following reports of illegal acquisition of wealth published in a national daily newspaper on March 31 and in some other electronic media on April 1 and 2. ACC Secretary Khorsheda Yeasmin has stated that legal action will be taken after completing the investigation within the prescribed time frame. A writ has also been filed in the High Court seeking a corruption probe into Benazir Ahmed, with the ACC chairman and secretary named as defendants [48a8e385].
The ICAC and the Competition Commission in Hong Kong have arrested 20 suspects in their first joint operation against corruption and bid-rigging involving building maintenance projects. The suspects, including contractors, consultants, middlemen, members of incorporated owners’ committees, and property management firms, were arrested in a joint action carried out on Tuesday and Wednesday. The agencies raided about 40 premises, seizing electronic devices and documents related to building maintenance projects. The suspects allegedly manipulated bidding processes for building maintenance work, exaggerating contract amounts and helping associated contractors secure projects and consultancy jobs. The operation involved renovation projects at residential estates and mixed-use buildings on Hong Kong Island, as well as residential estates and industrial buildings in the New Territories. The individual contracts were worth a total of about HK$180 million (US$22.98 million), with bribe payments for individual projects amounting to over HK$1 million. The investigations were initiated based on a corruption complaint lodged with the ICAC by members of the public [6a8dfdf9] [a6038fc0] [fd4a9fa0].
The ICAC has also established the Hong Kong International Academy Against Corruption (HKIAAC) to promote academic research in anti-corruption. The HKIAAC will provide anti-corruption training courses and collaborate with research institutions. Commissioner Danny Woo Ying-ming expressed optimism that HKIAAC would become a center for research and knowledge exchange. The HKIAAC has signed memorandums with five universities for anti-corruption research and talent exchange. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu praised ICAC's efforts in establishing Hong Kong as a city with high integrity. The HKIAAC aims to become a research and exchange hub for anti-corruption professionals worldwide [08a90e38] [828f5793].
The ICAC in Hong Kong received 2,001 corruption complaints in 2023, marking a 9% increase compared to the previous year. The rise in complaints is attributed to a surge in allegations of corruption within the private sector, which has been linked to the city's recovering economy. Bernard Chan, the chairman of ICAC's operations review committee, revealed the increase in corruption complaints, noting that the number of complaints remained below pre-pandemic levels [fd4a9fa0].
The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Aliyu, has urged the newly-inducted 266 cadets of the commission to work towards making Nigeria a corruption-free nation. The charge was given at the Passing Out Parade of the cadets held at the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria in Keffi, Nasarawa State. The cadets were encouraged to embrace a culture of accountability, responsibility, and efficiency in their duties. Dr. Aliyu emphasized the importance of discipline, impartiality, and setting shining examples. The ICPC has introduced a strategic policy thrust called CARE for Impact, which focuses on Culture, Accountability, Responsibility, and Efficiency. The Provost of the academy, Prof. Olatunde Babawale, highlighted the positive effect of continuous training on the fight against corruption. The academy aims to equip ICPC officials with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively combat corruption [828f5793].
Hong Kong's police chief, Commissioner of Police Raymond Siu Chak-yee, emphasizes the importance of cooperation between the police force and the security industry after a 28% increase in overall crime in the city last year. Siu highlights that collaboration can significantly bolster efforts to fight crime throughout the city and that working together with the security industry is extremely important. Hong Kong recorded 90,276 crimes in 2023, a 28.9% jump compared to the previous year. Police handled 39,824 scams, accounting for 44.1% of all recorded crimes. The city also saw a record 34,112 cases of technology-related fraud, with victims losing a record HK$5.49 billion to scammers. To combat crimes and ensure public safety, authorities plan to install 615 cameras in public areas by March and 2,000 in total by the end of the year. Siu also emphasizes the importance of working together with the public and private sectors to tackle youth crimes, as 3,041 youngsters were arrested in the city last year, 10% higher than in 2022 [3cf927a9].