Corruption complaints drop by 2%

But complaints involving public bodies jumped 12%.

The Independent Commission Against Corruption, Hong Kong's anti-graft watchdog, received 3,932 graft complaints in 2012, 2% lower year- on-year. Graft complaints against government departments increased 7% to 1,192.

There was, however, no sign of a resurgence of syndicated corruption. ICAC reported that corruption complaints involving public bodies increased 12% to 257 last year, while private sector corruption complaints dropped 7% to 2,483.

The ICAC's special election taskforce investigated 1,604 complaints alleging vote-rigging in relation to the 2011 District Council Election. While 55 people were prosecuted, investigations did not reveal evidence of rampant vote planting.

ICAC Commissioner Simon Peh said his officers are committed to striving for effective law enforcement in the face of modern challenges.

The ICAC Complaints Committee also submitted its annual report to the Legislative Council on Wednesday.

In 2012, the committee received 19 complaints comprising 57 allegations against the ICAC and its officers. Of the total, 53% were related to misconduct, 28% neglect of duties, 14% abuse of power, and 5% inadequacies in ICAC procedures.