# ICAC and UNODC's pioneering international anti-graft training brings together law enforcers worldwide to combat illicit enrichment

- Link: https://www.thailand-business-news.com/pr-news/icac-and-unodcs-pioneering-international-anti-graft-training-brings-together-law-enforcers-worldwide-to-combat-illicit-enrichment
- Published: 2026-09-25T12:11:00+07:00
- Author: PR Newswire

HONG KONG, Sept. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The ICAC, the Hong Kong International Academy
Against Corruption, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the
Global Operational Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities (GlobE
Network) jointly organised the pioneering "Professional Development Programme on
Unmasking Hidden Wealth: Strengthening Investigations into Illicit Enrichment" from
September 7 to 16, drawing participation of 35 graft-fighters and law enforcers 
from 19 jurisdictions to expound on investigation of illicit enrichment crimes.

Professional Development Programme on Unmasking Hidden Wealth: Strengthening Investigations
into Illicit Enrichment

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the programme, Acting Commissioner Mr Ricky 
Yau Shu-chun said, "Illicit enrichment strikes at the heart of public trust and 
institutional integrity. When public officials accumulate unlawful wealth, it deprives
communities of vital development opportunities. Graft fighters must crack down this
crime to restore justice, uphold accountability, and safeguard economic foundations.
Tracing, exposing, and recovering illicit assets of public officials is far more
than a technical skill, it is the fundamental imperative for safeguarding the rule
of law and preserving the integrity of the global financial architecture."

Yau also noted that investigators worldwide required advanced and forward-looking
learning opportunities to tackle illicit enrichment. He encouraged participants 
to share their diverse experiences and forge the professional networks to unmask
hidden wealth for advancing a just and equitable world.

Chief Law Enforcement and Strategic Networks Section of the UNODC, Mr Neil Walsh,
said in the ceremony that investigators’ ability to track, freeze and recover illicit
enrichment is of utmost importance. He anticipated that the strategic partnership
between the UNODC and the ICAC would help various law enforcement agencies nurture
new experience, thus enabling better investigation and intelligence.

The 10-day course is a specialised training co-hosted by the ICAC and the UNODC 
with a focus on specific corruption area. Previous courses co-organised include 
the "Professional Development Programme on Financial Investigation and Asset Recovery"
and "Professional Development Programme on Empowering Integrity: Mastering Artificial
Intelligence & Technologies in Anti-Corruption", etc. The present course focused
on the exchange and application of investigation experience. Through seminars, case
studies and exchanges, directorates and forensic accountants of the Commission examined
relevant legal frameworks, tracing of illicit assets, modus operandi of money laundering,
crypto-related crimes and relevant preventive measures with course participants.

Speakers from international organisations, academics and industry experts were invited
for professional knowledge sharing. While the Basel Institute on Governance from
Switzerland examined the strategies and practical challenges in tracing illicit 
assets, the Hong Kong Jockey Club shared their insights on preventing money laundering
of crime proceeds from gambling. Moreover, the City University of Hong Kong illustrated
the criminal psychology of illicit enrichment, and blockchain specialist expounded
on tracing crime proceeds in crypto transactions, etc. Participants became well-
versed in illicit enrichment investigation, asset tracing, latest financial crime
trend and application of effective investigative skills.

The course also featured a four-day study tour to Guangzhou, during which participants
visited relevant law enforcement agency and large enterprises, gaining first-hand
experience on how to identify, manage and investigate illicit enrichment, as well
as corresponding measures and practical challenges in law enforcement, etc. Participants
also visited the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region,
where participants exchanged with legislative councillors over the work on the fight
against corruption and asset recovery.

The training attracted middle and senior management officials from law enforcement
departments and policymakers from 19 countries and regions, including Indonesia,
Kuwait, Madagascar, Malta, Mauritius, Mongolia, Montenegro, Nigeria, Oman, Republic
of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Thailand, Tonga and Ukraine. Also attending
the programme are officials from the Guangdong Provincial Commission of Supervision,
the UNODC Regional Corruption and Financial Crime Hub for South-East Asia and the
Pacific, the Commission Against Corruption of Macao SAR, the Hong Kong Police Force,
the Customs and Excise Department, the Securities and Futures Commission and the
Hong Kong Jockey Club.

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