ENG-1998 — Page 372

PUBLIC ORDER

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was set up to provide comprehensive information about the department to the public through the internet.

Independent Commission Against Corruption

The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) is independent of the civil service; its Commissioner is directly responsible to the Chief Executive. The ICAC continued to tackle corruption on three fronts investigation, prevention and education.

Corruption scene

In 1998, the ICAC received 3 555 corruption reports, 16 per cent more than 1997. Of these, 1456 were made against civil servants, up 13 per cent compared with 1997. There were 1 860 reports concerning the private sector, an increase of 18 per cent over 1997. Reports against public bodies stood at 239, rising from 198 in 1997 and 2 547 of all corruption reports were pursuable.

The increase in corruption reports could be attributed to the economic downturn, and public confidence in the ICAC and its strategy of combating corruption.

The first Legislative Council elections after reunification were held in May. The ICAC received 459 reports alleging corrupt and illegal practices. Of these, 449 contained sufficient information for investigation to commence. Most allegations concerned minor and technical infringements.

Investigation

In 1998, the Operations Department, which is the ICAC's investigative arm, strengthened its approach in unearthing corruption. It developed closer links with all disciplined services and government departments through Operational Liaison Groups. Liaison channels have also been established with the security and audit departments of major banks and public bodies to monitor signs of corruption.

Major corruption investigations handled by the department during the year included the police 'bribe-for-promotion' case, the sale of Jockey Club membership case, and the new airport railway station construction bribery scam.

The department's caseload stood at 1 506 at the end of the year. An organisational restructuring exercise provided additional front-line investigators to cope with the heavy workload. In 1998, 382 people were prosecuted and 64 cautioned for minor offences. To safeguard the security of witnesses and the integrity of prosecutions, a comprehensive witness protection programme involving the establishment of a special unit was implemented during the year.

Prevention

The Corruption Prevention Department had another fruitful year examining the policies, practices and procedures of government departments and public bodies, and making recommendations to reduce opportunities for corruption.

In 1998, the department produced 102 detailed reports in many areas, including law enforcement, licensing and inspection systems, purchasing, tendering and contract administration. It also moved in speedily to identify and remove any procedural weaknesses exposed by corruption investigations.