the convention's corruption prevention measures. Noting that Hong Kong's anti-corruption regime reflects the principles and provisions of the UNCAC, over 470 overseas representatives visited the ICAC during the year to study its operation and strategies. In November, the commissioner led a high-level delegation to an international conference held in Indonesia in support of the UNCAC.
During the year, the ICAC also maintained close contact with representatives of various agencies from different jurisdictions, including Bangladesh, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand and the United Kingdom.
Cross-boundary Liaison
The ICAC and Mainland procuratorates continued to assist each other in the investigation of corruption cases under the Mutual Case Assistance Scheme established since 1988. The two jurisdictions interviewed 63 witnesses in 2007.
During the year, the commissioner visited the Mainland's anti-corruption authorities to explore ways to strengthen cooperation in prevention and education. Plans were drawn up for corruption prevention seminars to be held jointly by Hong Kong, the Mainland and Macao in 2008. The ICAC also briefed more than 6 000 visiting Mainland officials on Hong Kong's anti-corruption work in 2007.
Checks and Balances
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ICAC operations are subject to a stringent system of checks and balances. Apart from judicial supervision, the commission's work is scrutinised by four independent committees the Advisory Committee on Corruption, the Operations Review Committee, the Corruption Prevention Advisory Committee and the Citizens Advisory Committee on Community Relations.
An independent ICAC Complaints Committee, comprising members of the Legislative Council and prominent citizens, monitors the handling of non-criminal complaints against the ICAC and its officers.
Government Laboratory
The Forensic Science Division (FSD) of the Government Laboratory provides the criminal justice system in Hong Kong with a comprehensive forensic service. FSD is divided into two operational groups. In 2007, it examined a total of 515 crime
scenes.
The Drugs, Toxicology and Documents Group comprises two Controlled Drugs Sections, two Forensic Toxicology Sections (FTSs) and the Questioned Documents Section. There was a steady increase in the number of cases examined by the Controlled Drugs Sections in 2007, with a high proportion involving ketamine and heroin. Urinalysis and toxicological examination are the main areas of work of the two FTSs. In 2007, a review paper on the progress and future developments in toxicology was presented at the 15th Interpol International Forensic Science Symposium and was well received. In addition to carrying out routine examinations of handwritings and documents, the Questioned Documents Section assisted the