The Commissioner of Police, David Manning, has condemned the recently leaked details of Police Search Warrant to media, regarding the raid to the Department of Finance under the Waigani Court District Authority. Commissioner Manning shared this in statement describing the unauthorized efforts as “trial by media” that may hinder police investigations, following the unauthorized release of a police operation to the media by a third-party. The Commissioner’s comments follow sensationalized claims by the media in relation to the lawful execution of a search warrant at the Department of Finance on 6 August 2025. While acknowledging the presence of media was the result of the unauthorized release of information by a third-party to journalists, the National Fraud & Anti-Corruption Directorate carried out a routine search warrant at the Department of Finance, Moreover, Commissioner Manning emphasized that the Waigani District Court issued a warrant to seize evidence of alleged criminal offences by a public official at the Department of Finance, investigators secured and executed it under the Search Act to ensure the documents’ admissibility, and police identified themselves on arrival and carried out the search professionally within the warrant’s scope. “The search was conducted without obstruction, and no force was used to gain entry into Department of Finance premises.” Manning further condemned attempts to sensationalize investigations and insisted that police inquiries proceed unhindered and strictly follow standard procedures. “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 jeopardize potentially sensitive investigations. “Enquiries are now underway to confirm the identity of the party responsible for jeopardizing the investigation. Furthermore, Manning warned against sensationalizing police work or obstructing inquiries and urged people to report crimes and leave investigations to law enforcement. He confirmed that the investigation by National Fraud & Anti-Corruption Directorate remains ongoing.