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remain a preoccupation. In 1985, the Copyright Division made 76 copyright investigations, which resulted in 127 people being charged and the seizure of 74 pirated books, 16 photocopying machines, 940 pirated video tapes and 43 video recorders. In addition, as an offshoot of the division's activities in this field, 629 pornographic video tapes and 39 pornographic magazines were seized and 19 people charged with offences under the Objectionable Publications Ordinance.
Independent Commission Against Corruption
The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), which entered its 11th year of operation in 1985, has become firmly ingrained in Hong Kong's social structure. Through the commission's sustained efforts in the areas of investigation, prevention and education, large-scale syndicated corruption has disappeared. The commission has also gained increas- ing international esteem which can best be exemplified by the growing number of distinguished visitors from overseas and the study tours made by anti-corruption officers of other countries, as well as by the leading role played by the commission at high-level conferences and consultations overseas.
During the year, the commission participated in the Second International Conference on Corruption and Economic Crime Against Government which was held in New York City. The conference provided a forum where senior officials from government agencies involved in anti-corruption work exchanged knowledge on areas of concern regarding public and private sector corruption.
The ICAC is independent of the Civil Service and the commissioner is directly responsi- ble to the Governor. An Advisory Committee on Corruption, consisting of leading citizens and senior government officials, provides guidance for the commission on policy matters con- cerning staffing, financial estimates, administration and other aspects of its work. Each of the three functional departments of the commission, namely the Operations, Corruption Preven- tion, and Community Relations Departments, is also guided by an advisory body with members drawn from various sectors of the community and public service. All complaints against the commission and its staff are handled by an ICAC Complaints Committee, which comprises seven Unofficial Members of the Executive and Legislative Councils and a law officer. In 1985, a total of 25 complaints were received. They were thoroughly investigated and advice was given by the committee on the action considered appropriate.
Operations
The Operations Department investigates all reports related to allegations or suspected offences under the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance, the ICAC Ordinance and the Corrupt and Illegal Practices Ordinance.
In 1985, the department received 2 550 corruption complaints. Of these, 785 were made by members of the public in person, 1 080 by telephone and 507 by letter; 178 were received from government departments. Some 61 per cent of these complaints were made by persons prepared to identify themselves.
The advent of district board elections and election to the Legislative Council resulted in more allegations than usual under the Corrupt and Illegal Practices Ordinance. A total of 73 complaints under this ordinance were received.
During the year, as a result of investigations carried out by the department, 302 persons were prosecuted for corruption or related offences and 233 prosecutions were completed with 169 convictions. The conviction rate on completed cases stood at 73 per cent. At the end of the year, 85 cases were pending trial and 433 investigations were in progress.