POLICE Commissioner David Manning has condemned efforts to hold public trials by media and hinder police investigations, following the release of operational information to the media by a third party.
Mr Manning’s comments follow sensationalised claims by the media in relation to the lawful execution of a search warrant at the Department of Finance on 6 August 2025.
The Commissioner confirmed that members of the National Fraud & Anti-Corruption Directorate carried out a routine search warrant at the Department of Finance, noting that the presence of media was the result of the unauthorised release of information by a third party to journalists.
“The search warrant was issued by the Waigani District Court, to locate and seize evidentiary documentation at the Department of Finance relating to alleged criminal offending by a public servant,” Mr Manning said.
“In order to ensure that documentation sought from the Department of Finance is admissible in Court, investigators obtained a search warrant, and this was executed in accordance with the Search Act.
“Police officers identified themselves upon arrival at the Department of Finance, and the execution of the search warrant was carried out professionally and within the scope of the warrant.
“The search was conducted without obstruction, and no force was used to gain entry into Department of Finance premises.
The Commissioner expressed disgust at attempts to sensationalise investigative processes.
“Police investigations must be allowed to be carried out unimpeded and in accordance with standard investigative processes.
“I condemn these attempts to conduct trial by media. Releasing information about an ongoing investigation risks the integrity of investigative processes and prosecutions.
“In this instance, a third-party has been identified as notifying the media of the execution of a routine search warrant. This serves only to impede police processes and unnecessarily jeopardise potentially sensitive investigations.
“Enquiries are now underway to confirm the identity of the party responsible for jeopardizing the investigation.
“I put on notice on anyone who have seeks to sensationalise the independent work of police for personal gain. All persons have a duty to report crime to police than leave the work of the investigations to police.
“If you release confidential information and hinder police investigations, you will be held to account for your selfish actions.”
The Commissioner confirmed that the investigation by National Fraud & Anti-Corruption Directorate remains ongoing.