International

BAK experts participate in training programme of Hong Kong International Academy Against Corruption

Two representatives of the Federal Bureau of Anti-Corruption (BAK) took part in a training programme on financial investigation and asset recovery and on further improvement of international cooperation between anti-corruption authorities in Hong Kong between 19 and 27 February 2024.

New chapter in the fight against corruption
Around 600 high-level guests gathered at the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) headquarters as part of the training programme to attend the launch of the newly established Hong Kong International Academy Against Corruption (HKIAAC).

The HKIAAC was founded as part of ICAC's 50th anniversary celebrations. The opening ceremony was presided over by the Chief Executive of Hong Kong, Mr John Lee, and the head of ICAC, Commissioner Woo Ying-ming.

Afterwards, the participants of the training programme exchanged their experiences in the field of national and international anti-corruption with the head of government in a small setting.

High level training programme
The ICAC, in cooperation with the UNODC, organised this first training programme under the newly established HKIAAC. The opportunity to take part in the course was preceded by an application procedure, which the two BAK experts had completed. 35 participants from 19 different countries attended the training programme.

University professors, experts from the judicial, banking and stock exchange sectors as well as investigators presented the importance of financial investigations for anti-corruption authorities, particularly in the identification, tracing, freezing and recovery of assets. There was a strong focus on international cooperation. The ICAC also organised several excursions to illustrate these topics in practice.

As part of the training programme, the Austrian experts gave a presentation on the structure of the BAK and the use of Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) searches in the context of investigations.

Expansion of the international network
At the meeting, the participants familiarised themselves with the working methods and techniques of the experts from the Asian anti-corruption authorities, in particular the ICAC. In addition to acquiring specialised knowledge and skills, the participants had the opportunity to network, discuss strategic and investigative standpoints and establish contacts for future cooperation.

UNODC GlobE Network
Austria has been a member of the Global Operational Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities (GlobE Network) since August 2021, and has actively participated in plenary meetings and other events since the project has progressed steadily. An expert from the BAK is a member of the GlobE Secure Communication Platform (SCP) Task Force. As part of the Hong Kong training programme, UNODC experts presented the latest status of the GlobE initiative.