ICAC officers explain to delegates at the UNODC workshop how to leverage technology in cracking corruption cases. (PHOTO COURTESY TO ICAC)

The Hong Kong Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) held a workshop in cooperation with the United Nations for the first time to share its experience in using technology to combat corruption with global counterparts.

With the nation’s support and at the invitation of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the Hong Kong agency organized two workshops during a meeting of the Global Operational Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities (GlobE Network) in Vienna, Austria from July 10 to 13.

Chong Ka-lok, assistant director of Operations Department of ICAC, said that holding the workshop is of great significance to ICAC, as this is the first time the ICAC was invited by the UN to hold such a workshop since its establishment in 1974.

At the event, the agency introduced its experience in the application of technology to assist in corruption investigations, its third-generation video interview room, and how to enhance the quality of interviews and the security level of preserving evidences.

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More than 100 representatives from anti-corruption agencies in different countries or regions attended the event, and dozens of delegates also participated online.

At a meeting of the Global Operational Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities, the ICAC introduced its experience in the application of technology to assist in corruption investigations, its third-generation video interview room, and how to enhance the quality of interviews and the security level of preserving evidences

According to Chong, delegates at the workshops responded enthusiastically and participated in the discussions and asked in-depth questions.

Participants also took the initiative to share the technology and equipment used by their own organizations. After the workshop, some delegates expressed interest in adopting the technology products used by the ICAC.

Chong said he was encouraged by the active participation of representatives from various countries in the workshops, which reflected that the ICAC's work experience has been recognized by the international community.   

According to Chong, in February next year, which the marks the 50th anniversary of the agency’s establishment, ICAC will set up the Hong Kong International Academy Against Corruption to offer training courses to global practitioners in the field.

Chong said that setting up the workshop in the UN has enabled ICAC to gain more experience in international training, laying a solid foundation for establishing the academy next year.

Chan Cheuk-hay, chief academy officer of Operations Department of ICAC, said that the academy will provide different types of anti-corruption courses, targeting not only local agencies and industries, but also on international institutions for anti-corruption.

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Later this year, the ICAC will organize two international anti-corruption training courses for agencies in different countries, one is about anti-corruption in large-scale infrastructure projects and the other one is about leadership and executive development. Next year, it will also organize a high-level international anti-graft symposium.

ICAC is looking forward to further expanding cooperation with the GlobE network and other international organizations, Chong and Chan added.  

Contact the writer at mikegu@chinadailyhk.com