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SCMP Reporter

THE ICAC wants to increase its ability to obtain mainland-based evidence ahead of an international graft conference in China.

 Commissioner Bertrand de Speville said he would be seeking 'informal discussions . . . in the margins' with senior Chinese leaders.

 These talks would be aimed at expanding the system dealing with collating evidence and at improving relations between the Independent Commission Against Corruption and the mainland authorities.

 Currently, under the Mutual Assistance Scheme, the ICAC can go to China and interview witnesses under supervision, but cannot interview suspects.

 Mainland authorities have the same rights in Hong Kong, after applying to the office of the Political Adviser.

 However, Mr de Speville hinted that the cumbersome system, which has seen about 100 exchange visits since 1988, should be changed.

 Both sides wanted to find better ways to gather evidence in each other's jurisdiction, he said.

 'Whether [mutual assistance] can be taken further, I don't know,' he added.

 'You can't compel a witness to go from one jurisdiction to another wherever that may be.

 'We have to inch forward on these matters. But that mutual assistance is bound to grow.

 'We are two very different and distinct criminal jurisdictions but it is essential that we should explore all the time ways in which we can assist each other in our respective fights against corruption.

 'Our going up to Beijing for this conference will certainly help in that process.'  The ICAC's desire to expand its ability to gain evidence follows the unveiling of a system for referring matters to China - with the consent of complainants - and talks on passing graft intelligence to mainland officials from investigations written off by the Operations Review Committee.

 Mr de Speville said it was essential a clear message emerged from next week's meeting - the International Anti-Corruption Conference - that the fight against graft would not slacken in Hong Kong after the change of sovereignty.

 Last October, ICAC chiefs went to Beijing to discuss the theme of the conference - 'Anti-Corruption: Social Stability and Development' - along with delegates from each of the past six conferences.

 More than 700 delegates are due to attend the coming gathering, including 70 representatives from Hong Kong.



ICAC eager for China evidence