NCJ Number
191500
Date Published
December 2000
Length
13 pages
Annotation
After outlining a number of factors that are conducive to public corruption and fraud, this paper details some of the activities of the Hong Kong Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC).
Abstract
There are a number of common factors that generate corruption risk. These consist of any level of decision making that involves the exercise of discretionary power; arrangements that involve patronage or conflict of role; the approval, license, or permit systems that involve granting a benefit or generating a financial gain; a situation that involves security or confidentiality that can be compromised; and situations where the standard operating rules and procedures are not clearly defined. The most obvious damage caused by corruption is to directly increase the cost of a transaction, but perhaps the more serious effect is the damage to confidence, reputation, and image inflicted on a corporation or public agency. Regarding Hong Kong's response to corruption, the ICAC was established in 1974 in response to rampant corruption within the police force and other sections of the public sector. The ICAC has adopted an integrated three-pronged attack on corruption based on the strategic components of investigation, prevention, and education. This paper describes how the enforcement of a strong anti-corruption law based on a zero tolerance approach, backed by effective prevention and educational programs, had a marked impact in Hong Kong. The populace is sensitive to corruption issues and is acutely aware of the ICAC's role and mechanisms for reporting corruption. The community culture has changed from one of tolerance of corruption to rejection of it.