Baltasar Engonga, the former Director-General of Equatorial Guinea’s National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF), has been detained at Malabo’s notorious Black Beach Prison. His detention comes after he was implicated in a scandal involving the recording of over 400 sex tapes. Engonga, a 54-year-old economist and former anti-corruption chief, was arrested following an investigation into his alleged involvement in a major fraud case. Reports indicate that the investigation into Engonga’s financial dealings led to an unplanned search of his home and office, where authorities reportedly discovered multiple CDs containing footage of his sexual encounters with the wives of prominent figures in the country.
The scandal quickly escalated as clips of the explicit footage surfaced online, creating a media frenzy. The case drew significant attention, which ultimately led to Equatorial Guinea’s President, Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, taking action against Engonga. The President dismissed Engonga from his position as Director-General on November 4, 2024, with the official decree citing “irregularities committed in the exercise of his functions, as well as inappropriate family and social conduct for the performance of public duties.” The dismissal, marked by Decree No. 118/2024, highlights the severity of the accusations and the perceived misconduct Engonga was involved in.
Baltasar Ebang Engonga
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The scandal intensified further when a viral video surfaced on social media, showing Engonga handcuffed and shackled during a court appearance. This added to the already intense public outcry surrounding the case. According to a report by French online blog Afrikmatin, Engonga, who was officially removed from his post on November 6, 2024, was subsequently transferred to Malabo Central Prison, where he remains in custody. He now faces serious charges, including corruption and embezzlement. The legal and social ramifications of the case have caused widespread shock in the nation.
In addition to the financial corruption charges, online reports, including those from UGStandard, revealed that the explicit sex tapes began circulating widely on social media platforms while Engonga was already incarcerated in Black Beach Prison. State-run television TVGE confirmed that Engonga is being held on charges of embezzling public funds, and the tapes have only added to the scandal’s explosive nature. As the case continues to develop, Engonga’s arrest has become a highly controversial topic, with the circulating footage further damaging his reputation.
In a fact-checking report published on Wednesday, Dubawa confirmed that Engonga had indeed been taken into custody on corruption charges and is currently being held in Black Beach Prison, further solidifying the severity of the situation. The ongoing investigation and the public’s growing interest in the case suggest that this scandal will continue to unfold, with significant political and social consequences for both Engonga and the government of Equatorial Guinea.