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| Hong Kong enjoys low rates of graft |
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In entering the new year, Hong Kong continues to uphold its reputation as an international city with a clean government and a level playing field for doing business.
It is no coincidence that various international studies, including the Index of Economic Freedom launched by the Heritage Foundation, the Rule of Law Index released by the World Justice Project, the Global Competitiveness Index of the World Economic Forum and Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index, recognised Hong Kong as a clean city with low rates of graft.
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| Forensic accountants assist in investigating complex financial corruption cases. |
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In 2014, the prosecution and conviction of a former high ranking government official and some prominent businessmen for corruption and misconduct in public office offences had made news headlines.
Such highly publicised cases may have left people a less favourable impression about Hong Kong’s probity situation. However, these isolated ones did demonstrate the effectiveness of its robust anti-corruption regime. The ICAC, the dedicated anti-corruption agency in Hong Kong, has again shown its stamina and perseverance in fighting graft without fear or favour, regardless of the background, status and position of the persons involved.
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Corruption remains a high risk crime
In 2014, the number of graft complaints filed with the ICAC decreased by 11 per cent. Despite less corruption complaints, 87 per cent of the completed prosecutions resulted in convictions, with heavy sentences imposed by the court for more serious offences. Vigorous law enforcement efforts by the ICAC have rendered corruption a high risk crime in Hong Kong.
According to the latest ICAC annual survey conducted by an independent pollster, only 1.5 per cent of the 1,500-odd respondents in Hong Kong had come across corruption in the past 12 months, showing a very low level of corruption in the community. However, the public remained vigilant and intolerant against corruption. 96.9 per cent of the respondents expressed support for the ICAC. |
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| Citizens participate in ICAC activities. |
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| Way forward – holistic approach to fight graft |
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| An ICAC officer (left) offers corruption prevention advice in a construction project. |
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To maintain Hong Kong’s hard-earned reputation as a clean city, the ICAC will continue to combat corruption through a holistic approach of investigation, prevention and education.
Apart from vigorous law enforcement, intensive efforts will be made to enhance the awareness of government officials, public officers as well as the business people of corruption risks. A practical corruption prevention guide will be produced for the businessmen when dealing with public officers.
Established under the auspices of the ICAC, the Hong Kong Ethics Development Centre will continue to promote corporate governance and business ethics through its long-term partnership with the business sector and major chambers of commerce.
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Date: May 11-13, 2015
Venue: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
The 6th ICAC Symposium themed on “A Future Without Corruption – One Vision, Multiple Strategies” will provide a platform for graft busters, law enforcement officers, experts and professionals from around the world to exchange knowledge, experience and strategies in the global fight against corruption.
For details of the Symposium, please visit the following webpage:
http://www.icac.org.hk/symposium/2015/en/p01.html
Symposium Secretariat:
Tel: (852) 2826 4204 / 2826 4079
Fax: (852) 3188 5379
E-mail: symposium@icac.org.hk |
| Partnership helps build clean business environment |
About 50 foreign business leaders were briefed on Hong Kong’s partnership approach in the fight against corruption to help foster a clean environment for doing business during their visit to the ICAC.
The foreign businessmen from more than 10 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Germany, Russia and Japan, toured the ICAC amid their busy schedule to attend the Hong Kong Forum hosted by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and the Federation of Hong Kong Business Association Worldwide.
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| Foreign business leaders visit ICAC. |
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ICAC Commissioner Simon Peh Yun-lu told the business leaders of the time-honoured “three-pronged” strategy to weed out corruption in Hong Kong – law enforcement to bring the corrupt to justice, prevention to plug corruption loopholes, and education to entrench an integrity culture in the community.
Mr Peh also introduced to the business leaders the ICAC's approach of fighting corruption in partnership with the business sector, which was exemplified by the establishment of the Hong Kong Ethics Development Centre with the support of major chambers of commerce to promote business ethics on a long term basis.
The visiting businessmen appreciated that the low rates of corruption and government transparency were among the crucial factors contributing to a clean and attractive environment for investments in Hong Kong.
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Hong Kong Ethics Development Centre (HKEDC)
The HKEDC has offered a full range of consultancy services on ethical management to over 27,000 persons from local and overseas organisations.
Tel : (852) 2587 9812
Fax: (852) 2519 7762
Website: https://hkbedc.icac.hk
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| Extradited company director jailed for bribery |
A director of a property development company, who was extradited from the United States (US) to Hong Kong, was sent to jail for offering a bribe of HK$2.3 million to a bank officer for assistance in extending the due dates of loan payments.
The director ran two companies engaged in developing properties and operating hotels and golf courses on the Mainland. In 2007, the director successfully obtained three loans of US$65 million, HK$200 million and HK$2 billion from a bank.
The director subsequently made an application for deferring the repayment of the loans to the head of corporate banking department of the bank. After the applications were endorsed, the director offered the senior executive of the bank a bribe of HK$2.3 million as a reward.
The director was charged by the ICAC with bribery and related offences. As he failed to appear in court for trial in July 2011, a warrant was issued for his apprehension.
With assistance of the US authorities, the defendant was arrested in Saipan in January 2014 and was extradited to Hong Kong to face trial. The defendant pleaded guilty to the bribery charge and was jailed for 27 months. |
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