The Department of Justice has pledged to impartially investigate the case involving the arrest of a head of a government bureau, an assistant director of a government department, and two other people by the Independent Commission Against Corruption.

The commission confirmed today the four have been arrested for allegedly violating the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance in relation to government housing allowances.

The department said the Secretary for Justice will ensure due and proper processes are observed in the conduct of the case, and that it is done in strict accordance with the law and prosecution policy.

It said the secretary has delegated the authority to handle the case to the Director of Public Prosecutions, to consider whether any prosecution action is warranted.

In general, if there are sensitivities with regard to a particular case, delegating the prosecution decision to the Director of Public Prosecutions or seeking independent advice from outside counsel, or both, are options available for consideration, it said.