NCJ Number
133696
Date Published
1988
Length
216 pages
Annotation
Themes of this 1987 international anti-corruption conference focused on the pervasive nature of corruption, its characteristic as a component of major crime throughout the world, and measures to counter the corrosive influence of corruption on society.
Abstract
The conference was held in Hong Kong and included Hong Kong delegates and 105 overseas delegates representing 72 organizations from 32 countries. The 5-day conference program included speeches and panel discussions on the evolution and implications of corruption in relation to the environment of modern society, methods of detection and investigation, legal sanctions, methods of prevention, and problems of changing public attitudes. Conference participants also discussed special problems related to the punishment and rehabilitation of white collar criminals, and addressed the difficulties of extraterritorial inquiries, the exchange of information, and the extradition and surrender of fugitive offenders. Specific presentations dealt with the investigation and prosecution of fraud, corruption in Hong Kong, the use of informers and covert operations in corruption investigations, the investigation process, corruption as a regional problem, the relevance of corruption prevention to the construction and engineering profession, and correctional measures and rehabilitation schemes. In addition, presentations looked at community approaches to fighting corruption, freedom of information as it affects confidentiality and disclosures, and international cooperation in the prevention of corruption. Four main conclusions were reached at the conference: (1) corruption is global; (2) corruption is becoming more international and the need for interagency cooperation is increasing; (3) corruption and fraud are often linked and special measures are needed to deal with massive fraud and other white collar crimes; and (4) the lead in the fight against corruption must come from the top. Footnotes and Illustrations