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11/22/2024 03:50:40 am

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China’s Anti-Corruption Campaign Gets Boost from Tech-Savvy Investigators

China Anti-Corruption Campaign

(Photo : Kevin Frayer/Getty Images) Chinese buyers wait behind a fence as they wait to hopefully enter to bid at an auction of government vehicles on March 18, 2015 in Beijing, China.

Despite generations apart, China's young and elder anti-corruption investigators are working hand in hand as they take the lead in the nation's campaign against illegal practices in government.

Aside from their camaraderie and dedication to work, technology has been a key in strengthening the bond between these fledgling and more experienced anti-graft fighters, China Daily reported.

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Yang Kai, an anti-corruption investigator for the past 20 years, is impressed by how his younger colleagues are maximizing the use of technology, and consequently improving their effectiveness in the workplace.

Yang believes that veteran investigators like him can learn a lot from their younger co-workers, because "corruption has changed and multiplied in tandem with the rapid development of the country".

Being at the forefront of China's anti-corruption campaign, he noted that the explosive growth of the internet has created new avenues for corruption to flourish, something which his junior associates can address by using their high tech skills.

"I find it difficult to use technology to collect evidence," Yang explained. "So, to learn these techniques I encourage my younger colleagues to participate in educational programs - after all, they have a better understanding of the technology."

"Later, we have interactive sessions where the senior members of the team learn from the younger officers," added the 46-year-old from the procuratorate in Beijing's Dongcheng district.

Realizing the vast potential of utilizing technology in the country's battle against corruption, a technical office has been established to allow anti-graft investigators to search for information online.

"We urge them to use big data and instant-messaging services to collect and analyze information," Yang said, who believes that China's anti-corruption campaign has received a big boost from these advances in technology.

Though old-timers like him may not be as tech-savvy as their younger counterparts, their long service on has enabled them to spot clues that their less-experienced colleagues may miss.

Wang Enze, 26, noted that the senior investigators are masters at detecting illegal activity just by going over a set of a few simple clues.

"It will take us (junior investigators) a long time to master those skills," Wang said. 

Yang and Wang are now working closely with members of the CPC's disciplinary department to investigate high-profile cases involving corrupt officials.

Both of them have observed an uptick in the number of graft-related cases since 2012, which highlights the importance of strengthening China's anti-corruption campaign.    

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