IN a police raid on Tonga's Ministry of Finance and Planning on Monday four computers were seized from the Budget Division, on the first floor of the Tonga Development Building.

The seizure took place around 4pm on Monday, according to eyewitnesses, who said that the staff of the Budget Division were stunned when three uniformed police officers and two plain clothed officers arrived with a search warrant at their office.

It is understood that the search warrant had been shown to the Secretary of Finance 'Aisake Eke at the Treasury, a block away, prior to the items being seized.

Deputy Police Commander Taniela Faletau confirmed today, that a search warrant was indeed issued on the Ministry of Finance's office as part of an investigation that they were carrying out.

"At this stage we cannot disclose any information as it would jeopardise our investigation, but once we have results we will make a comment," he said.

Matangi Tonga was not able reach either the Secretary of Finance or the Minister of Finance for a comment on the seizure. 'Aisake has not answered his telephones and his staff said that he was in meetings all day today.