The Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority of Saudi Arabia (Nazaha) sent 60 anti-graft specialists to Hong Kong for a 10-day professional development program at the ICAC's Hong Kong International Academy Against Corruption (HKIAAC). This marks new records for the ICAC in global training, as the largest international course by participant count and the biggest single-agency overseas group.

At the program opening, ICAC Commissioner Mr Woo Ying-ming noted the long-standing partnership between the ICAC and Nazaha, strengthened by a 2024 Memorandum of Understanding. Building on prior exchanges in Saudi Arabia, the agencies launched a pilot attachment initiative placing two Nazaha officers at the ICAC for a full year to observe Hong Kong anti-corruption methods firsthand and advance cross-border cooperation.

"This largest-ever ICAC training holds special importance," Mr Woo stated. "The customized program for Nazaha officers will immerse participants in practical corruption-fighting scenarios, sharpen their abilities, and offer fresh viewpoints. They can apply Hong Kong approaches and commercial integrity experience back home to support Saudi efforts and advance Vision 2030 goals."

Mr Woo emphasized a key element: a study visit to the Qianhai district in Shenzhen. "Shenzhen stands as a leading growth center in Mainland China and a technology hub. The visit will allow participants to observe current anti-corruption and tech advancements in our Motherland, exploring how innovation supports integrity and sparks new ideas," he said.

The curriculum focuses on skill-building, with ICAC veterans demonstrating investigation methods and obstacles in tackling graft across government, public bodies, and private sectors. Sessions cover financial probes, forensic accounting, and asset recovery. IT specialists will detail computer forensics and cryptocurrency inquiries. On prevention, experts will present digital strategies for corruption control plus public education campaigns.

Participants will tour key local institutions, including the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, the Hong Kong Jockey Club, and Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, to examine the city's regulatory framework and how integrity principles integrate across society.

Additional sessions feature specialists from the Department of Justice on transnational legal cooperation and from the Hong Kong Police Force on maintaining integrity within law enforcement.

The opening ceremony included Director-General of the Department of Treaty and Law of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Counselor Zhou Qian, and Vice-Consul of the Royal Consulate General of Saudi Arabia in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Mr Mushari Almudarra.

SOURCE The Independent Commission Against Corruption of Hong Kong, China