The former Director General of Equatorial Guinea’s National Financial Investigation Agency, Baltasar Engonga, is facing an 18-year prison sentence following his ongoing trial in Malabo over allegations of corruption and abuse of office.
Engonga, who has been held in the notorious Black Beach Prison since September 2024, is also at the centre of a sensational scandal involving over 400 explicit videos found in his home and office.
Although the trial is primarily focused on financial crimes, prosecutors revealed that during his tenure as head of the Directorate General of Insurance and Reinsurance (2015–2020), Engonga allegedly orchestrated a complex embezzlement scheme, funneling public funds for personal enrichment.
According to Le Bled Parle, the prosecution is seeking a cumulative sentence of 18 years, broken down as follows:
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Eight years for embezzlement of public funds
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Four years and five months for unlawful enrichment
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Six years and one day for abuse of power
In addition to prison time, Engonga faces a fine of over 910 million CFA francs (approximately $1.5 million) and a lifetime ban from holding public office.
Engonga, 54, is not the only high-ranking official facing legal action. Six other senior government officials, including Carmelo Julio Matogo Ndong, Ireneo Mangue Monsuy Afana, and Florentina Iganga Iñandji, are also standing trial for misappropriation of state funds in what authorities describe as a massive corruption network.
While the corruption case is explosive on its own, public attention has been drawn to the discovery of over 400 sextapes allegedly recorded by Engonga. These videos were recovered during a surprise search of his residence and office by investigators from ANIF (National Financial Investigation Agency).
The footage reportedly features intimate encounters with married women, including high-profile figures:
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The wife of the Director General of Police
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His own brother’s wife
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A cousin
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The sister of Equatorial Guinea’s President
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Over 20 wives of serving ministers
Sources say the videos were recorded with consent but have since been leaked online, sparking nationwide outrage and embarrassment at the highest levels of government.
The trial, which began earlier this week, is expected to last three days, with defence attorneys now presenting their case amid the mounting scandal.
