Combating corruption in a year of
unprecedented challenges

Year 2020 presented unprecedented challenges to Hong Kong and the entire world. But amidst all the disruptions and restrictions, the ICAC continued to demonstrate unwavering determination and commitment in discharging its anti-corruption duties, independently and professionally.

At a recent press conference, Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Corruption (ACOC) Mr Martin Liao Cheung-kong said the ICAC remained steadfast in responding to the volatile environment posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and continued to uphold probity and safeguard the rule of law in Hong Kong.

The ACOC is one of the four advisory committees monitoring different facets of the anti-corruption work of the ICAC.

Mr Liao said corruption in Hong Kong continued to be well under control and the probity culture had been firmly rooted in the society. Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s performance in combating corruption continued to shine in the international arena.

In the Corruption Perceptions Index 2020 newly released by the Transparency International, Hong Kong was ranked the 11th least corrupt place among 180 countries/regions.

Despite travel restrictions under the pandemic, the ICAC continued to expand its global network and strengthen anti-corruption collaboration with different jurisdictions.

In 2021, the Commission plans to provide capacity building programmes to various Belt and Road countries in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. It has also initiated talks with the Asian Development Bank to arrange a series of online capacity building programmes on corruption prevention and community education for its member countries.

Expounding on the local corruption scene under the pandemic, Chairman of the Operations Review Committee Mr Benjamin Tang Kwok-bun said the number of corruption complaints received, excluding election-related ones, recorded a drop of 16% in 2020.

Mr Tang attributed the drop of the overall corruption complaints to a notable decrease in the number of complaints concerning the private sector, which was likely due to the substantial decrease in economic activities during the pandemic.

Warning against possible corruption risks at times of economic downturn caused by the pandemic, Mr Tang called for vigilance of the anti-bribery watchdog so as to uphold market integrity and maintain Hong Kong’s status as an international financial centre.

Noting that while the Hong Kong society had become increasingly politicalised, Mr Tang said the ICAC’s Operations Department continued to investigate all reports of corruption independently, in accordance with the law and irrespective of the background, status, and position of the persons involved.

“The ICAC has been steadfast in ensuring that the principles of lawfulness, fairness and impartiality are upheld, and has carried out enforcement action without fear or favour,” Mr Tang noted.