Independent Commission Against Corruption (Hong Kong)

Independent Commission Against Corruption
Logo of ICAC
Logo of ICAC
AbbreviationICAC
Agency overview
Formed15 February 1974 (1974-02-15)
Employees1,213 (June 2007)[1]
Annual budgetHK$1,074,200,000 (2017–2018)[2]
Jurisdictional structure
Legal jurisdictionHong Kong
Constituting instruments
Specialist jurisdiction
Operational structure
HeadquartersICAC Building,
303 Java Road,
North Point, Hong Kong
Elected officer responsible
Agency executives
Website
www.icac.org.hk Edit this at Wikidata
Independent Commission Against Corruption
Chinese廉政公署
Pre-handover Name
Traditional Chinese總督特派廉政專員公署

The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC; 廉政公署) is the statutory independent anti-corruption body of Hong Kong with the primary objective of combating corruption in both the public and private sectors. Established in 1974 and operating independently from the Hong Kong government and law enforcement agencies, the ICAC is headed by the Commissioner, who reports directly to the Chief Executive of Hong Kong.[3] The ICAC has played a crucial role in maintaining Hong Kong's reputation as one of the least corrupt places globally and fostering a culture of integrity within the city.[4][5]

The ICAC's functions encompass investigation, prevention, and education. It investigates complaints of corruption-related offenses, conducts operations to uncover corrupt practices, and has the authority to arrest, search, and seize property.[6][3] In addition, the ICAC works on preventing corruption by reviewing and improving systems and procedures in government departments, public bodies, and private organizations, while also offering advice and assistance in implementing effective anti-corruption measures.[5] The ICAC also engages in public education and awareness campaigns to raise ethical standards in the community and encourage the public to report corruption.[7]

The Article 57 of the Basic Law of Hong Kong stipulates that the ICAC shall operate independently and be directly accountable to the Chief Executive of Hong Kong. By the Article 48, the Commissioner of the ICAC, being as a principal official of Hong Kong, is nominated by the Chief Executive of Hong Kong and appointed by the State Council of the People's Republic of China.[3]

  1. ^ "香港特別行政區廉政公署 Independent Commission Against Corruption, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region".
  2. ^ https://www.budget.gov.hk/2017/eng/pdf/head072.pdf [bare URL PDF]
  3. ^ a b c "中华人民共和国香港特别行政区基本法". www.gov.cn. Retrieved 16 April 2023.
  4. ^ "Least Corrupt Countries 2023". worldpopulationreview.com. Retrieved 21 July 2023.
  5. ^ a b Laje, Diego (16 October 2013). "What China can learn from Hong Kong in its fight against corruption". CNN. Retrieved 21 July 2023.
  6. ^ Chung, Lawrence (27 October 2021). "Independence and Integrity of Judges, Prosecutors and Anti-Corruption Officials: Their Roles in Hong Kong's Fight Against Corruption" (PDF). The United Nations Asia and Far East Institute for the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders (国連アジア極東犯罪防止研修所).
  7. ^ "ICAC, HKSAR - About ICAC - Legal Empowerment". www.icac.org.hk. Retrieved 21 July 2023.

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