The ICAC received 4,310 corruption reports last year, down 1% on the 4,371 recorded in 2002.

The 2003 ICAC Annual Report released today, showed complaints concerning the private sector continued to take up a higher proportion (57%) of the total, while Government departments and public bodies accounted for 36% and 7%.

The report said the ICAC has continued to vigilantly pursue a proactive strategy in all prongs of its anti-corruption services, and the graft situation remains under control.

Overall, 421 people were prosecuted for corruption and related offences in 201 cases. The case-based conviction rate stood high at 85%, partly attributed to the success of the proactive strategy.

In tackling the many complex corruption related fraud cases, the ICAC's Financial Investigation Section provided expert assistance in financial analysis and asset tracing concerning over 2,400 bogus letters of credit and other business transactions, with a total value exceeding $5 billion.

The report said 69% of defendants charged in relation to private sector cases were occupying managerial or supervisory positions, representing a noticeable rise from 52% in 2002.

Supported by regulatory bodies in the financial sector, the ICAC towards the end of 2003 launched a Business Ethics Promotion Programme for all listed companies to foster good corporate governance.

Civil service 'clean'

ICAC Commissioner Raymond Wong said according to analysis and intelligence, the civil service is clean and there are no signs of syndicated corruption. However, in light of a number of misconduct cases, a series of studies into existing declaration of interest systems were conducted, particularly in relation to public procurement.

The ICAC works closely with the Civil Service Bureau to assist Government departments in raising ethical standards through integrity training and reviewing or formulating code of conduct or guidelines.

Prior to the pronouncement of the Individual Visit scheme for Mainland visitors, the ICAC early last year launched an ethics promotion programme for tourism practitioners, in light of rising inbound travel.

Mr Wong also said that following the implementation of CEPA last year, the ICAC plans to hold a seminar for cross-boundary investors and managers, to enhance their understanding of anti-corruption laws and regulations in the two jurisdictions.

On the coming Legislative Council Election, he pledged the ICAC will render its utmost to provide assistance to candidates, agents and helpers to abide by the Elections (Corrupt & Illegal Conduct) Ordinance to sustain Hong Kong's good name.

Mr Wong assured the public that in continuing the drive to enhance efficiency, the ICAC will not allow cost-saving measures to compromise frontline services and investigative capability.

Looking ahead, he said the ICAC will conduct a comprehensive review on its IT infrastructure to harness the benefits of advanced technology to boost overall effectiveness and efficiency.