Assistant ICAC director Tony Godfrey - one of Hong Kong's most experienced graft fighters - died on Wednesday in London during a New Year holiday. It is understood he had been battling a chronic illness for some time.
The 59-year-old was originally due to return to work in Hong Kong yesterday, but had been admitted to hospital during the holiday. The illness was not disclosed. He is survived by his wife and children.
Godfrey was first seconded from the Metropolitan Police in London to join the ICAC for a year in the late 1970s.
He returned to Hong Kong in 1981 as a chief investigator and decided to stay with the ICAC. He became assistant director in 1992 and was originally due to retire next month.
Deputy ICAC commissioner Daniel Li Ming-chak said: 'I am deeply saddened. We've lost a very good colleague and friend.' He said Godfrey had a very positive attitude to work and provided great guidance to his subordinates.
Mr Li said Godfrey pioneered promoting liaison between the ICAC and overseas and mainland law-enforcement agencies in the 1980s, seeing that such communication was important in combating transnational or cross-border corruption.