The 2023 Annual Report of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) Complaints Committee was tabled in the Legislative Council today (July 10). The report gives a summary of the Committee's work in 2023.
The Committee is tasked with the responsibility of monitoring the handling of non-criminal complaints against the ICAC and its officers. The Committee takes an independent view on the ICAC's investigation findings on the complaints received, reviews the ICAC’s procedures which may lead to complaints, and makes recommendations for improvement.
In 2023, the Committee received 19 complaints involving 47 allegations against the ICAC or its officers. Among the allegations registered in 2023, 75 per cent were related to neglect of duties by ICAC officers, 15 per cent to inadequacies of ICAC procedures, 6 per cent to abuse of power, and 4 per cent to misconduct.
The ICAC submits investigation reports to the Committee after conducting full investigations on complaint cases, while assessment reports are submitted for complaints which do not warrant a full investigation. During 2023, the Committee considered the investigation reports of 16 complaint cases including 15 cases received in 2023 and one case received in 2021 for which the related investigation was completed in 2023. These complaints contained a total of 37 allegations in which one allegation involving one ICAC officer was found to be substantiated. In this year, the Committee also considered and endorsed eight assessment reports. Preliminary assessment showed that the eight cases were irrational complaints and repeated complaints previously disposed of through the Committee, and the Committee agreed that no further investigative actions should be taken.
The ICAC has carefully examined the investigation reports and strengthened training programmes for frontline officers to enhance their professionalism and vigilance in discharging their duties. In particular, officers were advised to act professionally when handling enquiries from members of the public and treat them with courtesy and respect.
The annual report of the Committee is available on the Administration Wing's website (www.admwing.gov.hk/eng/links/icac.htm) and also at the ICAC's regional offices.
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