Fairfax Media can reveal detectives from the fraud and cybercrime squad have formed Strike Force Kempt to investigate the misappropriation of more than 100 handsets from a Sydney business.

Detectives plan to interview a number of current and former Sea Eagles players and administrators about the matter, which may have resulted in them receiving stolen phones. It's understood the items first went missing about six years ago.

The interviews will be conducted in the off-season with players and officials.

When approached for comment, the NSW Police media unit said in a statement: "For investigative reasons, no further information can be provided at this time."

Manly boss Dave Perry declined to comment when contacted on Tuesday night.

At this point, Manly players and officials are merely witnesses to a potential crime.

However, there could be huge ramifications should it be proven Sea Eagles staff members knowingly accepted or distributed stolen goods.

The Australian Rugby League Commission has the power to suspend, fine or deregister players and officials who bring the game into disrepute. It's understood the issue has been referred to the NRL's integrity unit, although it's likely the governing body will wait for the police to present its findings.

In relation to criminal proceedings, the NRL's code of conduct states: "Where the breach of a provision of this code involving a player or a club official has occurred, and the conduct constituting that breach is the  subject of a police investigation or criminal proceeding, the chief executive officer shall not proceed against that player or club official pursuant to part 2 of the NRL rules until the conclusion of that investigation or proceeding, as the case may be, unless the chief executive  officer forms the view, in his absolute discretion, that it is appropriate to do so."

It's unclear how long it will take for the investigations to be completed, but as several current players and officials have gone on holidays it is expected there will not be a resolution for some time.

The development is the latest drama that has hit the Sea Eagles. Manly has this year performed well on the field, making their 10th consecutive finals appearance before being knocked out by the Bulldogs in a thriller. However, the playing group has been beset by internal dramas, stemming primarily from the club's decision not to offer veteran forward Glenn Stewart a contract extension. The issue has caused players to revolt, and several have threatened to leave. 

As revealed by Fairfax Media last month, Anthony Watmough is poised to join Parramatta and could do so as soon as next season if he is granted a release from the final year of his contract.

While contracted for next year, there is still uncertainty surrounding the futures of other star players, including Brett Stewart and Steve Matai. Playmakers Kieran Foran and Daly Cherry-Evans are already in the sights of rivals, who are hoping to swoop for their services in 2016. Further complicating matters is a schism between some players and management.  There has also been in-fighting at board level, which has further destabilised the club off the field.