The National Fraud & Anti-Corruption Directorate issued a stern warning to the Secretary of Petroleum & Energy, David Manau that his failure to comply to the two court orders issued last year [SW No. 408/2022 & SW No. 503/22], will result in charges pressed against him for non-compliance and obstruction. “We did two search warrants. The first one was presented to him but he did not comply and then we did another one, this time more detailed and presented it but he still did not comply.” The warrants issued were in relation to an ongoing investigation into allegations of misappropriation of K27 million by the Secretary, The Expenditure Implementation Committee [EIC] and others. Lead Investigator, Inspector Leonard Wai said he could not divulge any detail as to how the investigations have gone so far as they are still in the early stages of the investigation. Inspector Wai said that the first warrant was issued on 20th October, 2022 from the Waigani District Court and served to Manau but he refused to comply. The police were prompted to seek another search warrant, this time in detail than the previous one on 22nd of November, but this was not adhered to by the Secretary. Apart from that, according to Wai the secretary had also sought a defence from the Solicitor General to dismiss both court orders but were unsuccessful. He adds that the search warrants are still active and the decision from the Courts is to for the intention to set aside the court order is dismissed “Either he complies or he will face the penalties.” He adds that it is frustrating to see that court processes are not being adhered to and it hinders the investigation.