Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) Commissioner Danny Woo Ying-ming delivered opening remarks by video link at the International Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities (IAACA) Annual Conference in Doha, after deciding to remain in Hong Kong to oversee the commission’s investigation into the recent fatal fire in Tai Po.
Woo, who serves as IAACA president, switched his attendance to an online format in order to supervise the ICAC’s work related to the deadly fire, which has triggered a citywide investigation.
In his opening remarks, Woo highlighted the collective efforts of government departments and the wider community to support affected families, including measures such as financial assistance, temporary accommodation, and follow-up support.
He said the ICAC, Hong Kong’s sole anti-corruption agency, has launched a full investigation into any potential corruption linked to the fire, reiterating the commission’s determination to bring any offenders to justice.
“As ICAC Commissioner, it is my duty to stay in Hong Kong at this critical juncture to oversee the progress and professionalism of the investigation,” Woo said.
Despite the challenges posed by the fire, Woo noted that the Legislative Council election proceeded as scheduled on December 7, describing the move as essential for advancing necessary legislative and systemic reforms to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
He also highlighted the ICAC’s role in safeguarding the integrity, fairness, justice, and order of the election, saying it demonstrated cooperation between the government and the public in upholding constitutional order and respect for the rule of law.
Woo expressed gratitude to Advocate Andy JL Mothibi, head of South Africa’s Special Investigating Unit and IAACA vice president, for chairing several important conference sessions in his absence.
This year’s conference marks the first overseas gathering hosted by the ICAC since it assumed the IAACA presidency in 2022. The event drew nearly 250 participants, including anti-corruption experts, government officials, representatives of international organizations, and scholars from 80 jurisdictions worldwide.
Meanwhile, ICAC representatives attending the Doha conference are also taking part in other major international anti-corruption meetings from December 14 to 16.
These include the Steering Committee Meeting of the United Nations’ Global Operational Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities (GlobE Network) and the 11th session of the Conference of the States Parties to the UN Convention against Corruption.
At various side events, the ICAC team is sharing Hong Kong’s experience and expertise on topics such as corruption risk management in prison systems, the “Coding4Integrity Hackathon,” technology-driven anti-corruption strategies, financial investigation techniques, and methods for measuring the effectiveness of anti-corruption agencies.
