Graft fight gains international support

China's efforts to foster and seek international cooperation in fighting corruption are in line with and supported by international standards, according to the dean and executive secretary of the International Anti-Corruption Academy.

"Apart from law enforcement, prevention and education, international cooperation has become the fourth essential pillar in successfully fighting corruption," Martin Kreutner said.

China's sweeping anti-corruption crackdown in recent years has reached other areas of the globe, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia.

Following the "Fox Hunt 2014" campaign, which targeted corrupt officials and suspected economic criminals who had fled China, an upgraded campaign code-named "Sky Net" was launched in March.

The name Sky Net refers to a Chinese proverb that says the guilty can never escape the net of heaven's justice.

China has sent lists of suspects to other countries and has agreed to hand over more evidence to help overseas officials track them down and then prosecute or deport them.

"Areas of international cooperation may in particular include matters of extradition, transfer of those sentenced, mutual legal assistance, transfer of criminal proceedings, law enforcement cooperation, joint investigations and special investigation techniques," Kreutner said.

He said that such country-to-country collaboration must observe general principles of international criminal law, such as legality, a fair trial and the requirement for dual criminality in both jurisdictions.

However, he said, "International cooperation in criminal matters too often still faces high administrative and bureaucratic hurdles."

Based in Austria, the International Anti-Corruption Academy was set up in 2011 by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the European Commission's Anti-Fraud Office, the Austrian government and other stakeholders.

Last year, China joined the academy, which acts as both an intergovernmental organization and an educational institution. The organization includes 64 parties and 53 signatories from around the world.

The academy has trained professionals from more than 120 countries to tackle corruption.

"We have had a number of Chinese participants in our programs and training over the years," Kreutner said. "What's more, for some of the programs, lecturers from China were also invited to present their experience and expertise.

"If all the provisions of the UN Convention Against Corruption are properly implemented, this country will definitely be better off regarding its anti-corruption campaign."

zhangchunyan@chinadaily.com.cn