Former Ombudsman Simeon Marcelo has flown to Mongolia with Hong Kong graft buster Tony Kwok to take part in international efforts to help the country with its renewed anti-corruption campaign.

Marcelo and Kwok were invited by the Asia Foundation to attend meetings that aim to strengthen the investigation, prosecution, and adjudication of corruption cases in Mongolia.

The series of meetings will be held with Mongolia’s Attorney General’s Office, Judiciary, and members of parliament and government officials from the Independent Authority Against Corruption (IAAC).

Marcelo and Kwok will share the lessons they learned from experiences in the fight against corruption.

Kwok has 36 years of law enforcement experience. Since his retirement, Kwok has been giving anti-corruption consultancy services to more than 15 countries.

In the 2002 Hong Kong Honours List, Kwok was awarded the Silver Bauhinia Star in recognition of his contribution to the success of the fight against corruption in Hong Kong.

Marcelo, meanwhile, led the prosecution team that obtained the conviction on former President Joseph Estrada.

Marcelo resigned from the Office of the Ombudsman in 2005 due to health reasons.

Last year, Marcelo was appointed into the World Bank’s Independent Advisory Board where he advises on the institution’s anti-corruption measures.

Aside from sharing their experiences in fighting corruption, the two graft fighters will help with capacity building efforts to support the renewed anti-corruption campaign in Mongolia.

In 2006, Mongolia passed its Anti-Corruption Law and established the IAAC, which is now in the process of developing strategy and operating procedures while recruiting and training its staff. 

The IAAC launched its first investigations in 2007. Since that time, more than 200 cases have already been investigated.

At present, a considerable number of Mongolian government officials are under prosecution including a former central bank governor and a member of parliament.

The anti-corruption campaign in Mongolia has also led to the incarceration of more than 20 senior and mid-ranking officials from various political parties.