Overview: A landmark international training
In a landmark collaboration, the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong International Academy Against Corruption, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and its GlobE Network brought together 22 anti-corruption agencies (ACAs) from 16 jurisdictions for the first-ever Professional Development Programme on Empowering Integrity: Mastering Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Technologies in Anti-Corruption. The 10-day intensive course, held from October 22, 2025, marks a significant step forward in equipping graft fighters with cutting-edge tools to detect, investigate, and deter corruption in the digital age.
The programme aimed to create an international platform where anti-corruption authorities could exchange knowledge, share best practices, and foster collaboration on technology-enabled anti-corruption strategies. As ICAC Commissioner Woo Ying-ming noted, technology is a game-changer in the fight against corruption, expanding the playbook beyond traditional methods to include AI, data analytics, and digital forensics.
Participants and global representation
The course drew participants from 16 jurisdictions, including Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Benin, Botswana, India, Kazakhstan, the Republic of Korea, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mongolia, Montenegro, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Thailand, and Zambia. Also represented were officials from Macao, SAR, the National Commission for Supervision, and the Commission Against Corruption. Hong Kong’s own law enforcement and regulatory bodies—such as the Hong Kong Police Force, the Customs and Excise Department, the Competition Commission, and the ICAC—joined to share experience and insights.
Curriculum highlights: AI tools and investigative techniques
ICAC’s technology experts, intelligence analysts, and investigators led sessions that demonstrated how AI can accelerate investigative work. Participants learned about facial recognition and matching, AI-generated summaries, instant transcripts, and high-tech covert surveillance tools used in evidence collection, surveillance, and interviews. The aim was to showcase not only the capabilities of modern technology but also how to apply these tools responsibly to safeguard privacy and uphold rights while increasing efficiency in graft-fighting operations.
Hands-on demonstrations and ethical considerations
Beyond technical demonstrations, the programme emphasized ethical considerations, governance, and the importance of robust data protection. By examining case studies and practical scenarios, participants explored how to balance rapid data processing with transparency and accountability—critical factors in maintaining public trust while pursuing corrupt actors.
Study tour: technology hubs and future-facing insights
A four-day study tour to Wuhan offered the 31 participants a firsthand look at China’s innovation landscape. They visited robotics centers and influential tech enterprises, engaging with industry representatives to grasp development trends in AI, robotics, and new energy technologies. The tour provided a clearer view of how domestic tech progress can complement graft-fighting capabilities, enabling agencies to anticipate and counter evolving corruption schemes.
Global perspectives and collaborative potential
International speakers, including Rositsa Zaharieva, GlobE Network Coordinator at UNODC, and Humaid Alameemi, Assistant Director of INTERPOL’s Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Center, shared insights into digital tools and AI applications in anti-corruption work. Local experts, such as Brian Sun Yue-man from the Digital Policy Office’s Data Applications unit and Hong Kong law enforcement technologists, showcased data governance, crypto-tracing, and investigative AI applications in real-world contexts.
Looking ahead: turning training into sustained impact
With the transfer of knowledge to 22 ACAs, the programme seeks to foster international collaboration, technology transfer, and joint operations against corruption. The participating agencies are expected to adapt these AI-driven methods within their legal and ethical frameworks, strengthening public trust through transparent, effective graft-fighting measures. The collaboration underscores a shared commitment: a future free of corruption enabled by responsible innovation, data-driven decision-making, and cross-border cooperation.
