Scandal Deepens: Ex-Equatorial Guinea Anti-Corruption Chief Faces 18 Years in Jail Amid Sextape Storm
In a trial that has gripped Equatorial Guinea and sparked international headlines, Baltasar Engonga, the former head of the country’s anti-corruption agency, is now facing an 18-year prison sentence not only for allegedly embezzling public funds but also for a sensational scandal involving over 400 explicit videos featuring wives of high-profile figures.
Engonga, who once led the National Financial Investigation Agency, has been detained at Black Beach Prison since September 2024. He is on trial alongside six other former senior government officials in a case described by prosecutors as a “vast web of financial fraud, power abuse, and personal exploitation.“
The Corruption Charges
At Monday’s hearing in Malabo, the prosecution outlined a sweeping financial scheme allegedly orchestrated by Engonga during his tenure as head of the Directorate General of Insurance and Reinsurance (2015–2020).
According to reports from Le Bled Parle, the national prosecutor is seeking:
8 years for embezzlement of public funds
4 years and 5 months for illicit enrichment
6 years and 1 day for abuse of power
A fine exceeding 910 million CFA francs (~$1.5 million)
A ban from holding any public office for the duration of the sentence
Engonga, a 54-year-old economist, allegedly used his position to siphon state funds, working with others in what authorities describe as a “coordinated looting operation” within government ranks.
Among those also standing trial are former top officials Carmelo Julio Matogo Ndong, Ireneo Mangue Monsuy Afana, and Florentina Iganga Iñandji, each accused of similar financial crimes.
The Explosive Sextape Scandal
But beyond the embezzlement charges, the trial has been overshadowed by the shocking discovery of over 400 sextapes found during a raid on Engonga’s home and office.
The tapes reportedly stored on CDs allegedly feature intimate recordings with wives of political elites, including:
The wife of the Director General of Police
The sister of the President of Equatorial Guinea
20 ministers’ wives
Even his brother’s wife and cousin
Investigators say the tapes were recorded with the women’s consent, though the motivation behind the collection remains unclear. The footage has since leaked online, sending shockwaves through Equatorial Guinea’s political elite and igniting public outrage.
“This isn’t just a case of corruption it’s a stunning abuse of public trust and personal relationships,” said a legal analyst following the proceedings.
A Crumbling Reputation
Engonga’s fall from grace is all the more stunning given his former role as the chief enforcer of anti-corruption laws. Critics argue that his case symbolizes the deep rot within the country’s political system, where watchdog agencies are often run by those they are meant to hold accountable.
The trial, expected to last three days, continues this week as defense lawyers attempt to challenge the overwhelming weight of evidence.
Whether Engonga walks free or is sentenced, the damage to Equatorial Guinea’s political image is already done, with calls growing for full reform and independent oversight of government institutions.
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