ABSTRACT
To be effective, anti-corruption agencies (ACAs) are expected to possess certain important organisational characteristics. They should have an appropriate institutional design congruent with their goals, committed personnel of high integrity and ability, strong capacity to pursue their mission impartially and independently, and adequate resources. At the same time, mechanisms and processes should be adopted to ensure that ACAs maintain a high level of accountability. In Hong Kong, the organisational structure of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has been fit for purpose and the checks and balances, both internal and external, have worked well to ensure that the pursuit of the corrupt is conducted with high regard for the law and the rights of citizens. Over the course of its history, concerns about the integrity of the ICAC itself have been rare. However, cases relating to the ethical behaviour of senior government officials have tended to spark political and community concerns about the wider performance of the ICAC.
