Ex-Equatorial Guinea Anti-Graft Chief Jailed 18 Years for Corruption, Sextape Scandal

The former Director General of Equatorial Guinea’s National Financial Investigation Agency, Baltasar Engonga, is facing a possible 18-year prison sentence as his high-profile corruption trial continues at the Malabo court.

Engonga, who has been held at the notorious Black Beach Prison since September 2024, is accused of embezzlement, unlawful enrichment, and abuse of power during his tenure as head of the Directorate General of Insurance and Reinsurance from 2015 to 2020.

According to a report by Le Bled Parle, prosecutors alleged that Engonga masterminded a complex scheme to divert public funds for personal gain. During Monday’s court session, the national prosecutor requested separate sentences for each offence: eight years for embezzlement, four years and five months for unlawful enrichment, and six years and one day for abuse of office, along with a fine exceeding 910 million CFA francs (approximately $1.5 million). Additionally, prosecutors are seeking a ban on Engonga from holding public office for the duration of his sentence.

In a shocking development that has unsettled Equatorial Guinea’s political elite, investigators uncovered more than 400 sex tapes in Engonga’s office and home during their search. The explicit recordings reportedly involve several high-profile women, including the wives of senior government officials, security chiefs, and prominent political figures.

Authorities say the videos, many recorded with consent, were discovered stored on CDs and hard drives hidden in Engonga’s private office. Several of the tapes have since leaked online, triggering public outrage and widespread condemnation.

Baltasar Engonga is standing trial alongside six other former senior officials accused of participating in what authorities describe as a vast network responsible for looting public funds. Among the co-defendants are Carmelo Julio Matogo Ndong and Florentina Iganga Iñandji.

As the trial continues, the defence is expected to begin presenting its arguments this week. The case has drawn significant public and international attention, highlighting ongoing concerns over corruption and governance in the oil-rich Central African nation.

-VANGUARD