ICAC Statement
2005-7-6
In regard to a District Court judge's ruling in a corruption case yesterday (Tuesday), ICAC Commissioner Raymond Wong Hung-chiu today expresses his serious concern in a statement.
Mr Wong stresses that ICAC officers are committed to fighting corruption through effective law enforcement. Officers will at all times adhere to the principles of integrity and fair play, respect the rule of law and the rights of all people under the law , act in full accordance with the law and uphold fairness and justice.
"As the ICAC is studying, in conjunction with the Department of Justice, on whether an appeal should be lodged, it would be inappropriate for me to comment on the case.
"However, I hope the public would appreciate that corrupt transactions are secretive by nature, posing immense difficulties for the ICAC to collect evidence. Despite all these difficulties, ICAC officers have been carrying out their investigative duties in strict accordance with the law.
"Evidence collected through surveillance operations has been pivotal in detecting and prosecuting corruption crimes. In light of recent comments made by the courts on these surveillance operations, however, the ICAC is actively pursuing with the Governme nt on ways to provide a clearer legal basis for such operations, including the making of legislation. At the same time, the ICAC is now seeking legal advice from the Department of Justice with a view to enhancing our internal guidelines in this regard."
Mr Wong stresses that ICAC officers are committed to fighting corruption through effective law enforcement. Officers will at all times adhere to the principles of integrity and fair play, respect the rule of law and the rights of all people under the law , act in full accordance with the law and uphold fairness and justice.
"As the ICAC is studying, in conjunction with the Department of Justice, on whether an appeal should be lodged, it would be inappropriate for me to comment on the case.
"However, I hope the public would appreciate that corrupt transactions are secretive by nature, posing immense difficulties for the ICAC to collect evidence. Despite all these difficulties, ICAC officers have been carrying out their investigative duties in strict accordance with the law.
"Evidence collected through surveillance operations has been pivotal in detecting and prosecuting corruption crimes. In light of recent comments made by the courts on these surveillance operations, however, the ICAC is actively pursuing with the Governme nt on ways to provide a clearer legal basis for such operations, including the making of legislation. At the same time, the ICAC is now seeking legal advice from the Department of Justice with a view to enhancing our internal guidelines in this regard."