The former Director-General of Equatorial Guinea’s National Financial Investigation Agency, Baltasar Engonga, has been remanded in Malabo’s Black Beach Prison following a scandal involving over 400 sex tapes.
Engonga, aged 54, was arrested recently after an investigation into his alleged fraud led to the discovery of explicit recordings featuring the wives of prominent figures.
Sources revealed that during a search of Engonga’s home and office, several CDs were uncovered, exposing his sexual encounters with various married women. The scandal erupted when some of these tapes leaked online, prompting widespread public outrage.
In response, President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo dismissed Engonga on November 6, 2024, citing “irregularities committed in the exercise of his functions” and inappropriate personal conduct, according to Decree No. 118/2024 dated November 4.
Footage circulating on social media showed Engonga in court on Friday, handcuffed and chained. He faces multiple charges, including corruption and embezzlement, as confirmed by reports from state television, TVGE.
French blog Afrikmatin reported that after his official dismissal, Engonga was transferred to Malabo Central Prison. Meanwhile, the online newspaper UGStandard noted that the sex tapes had gone viral on social media even as he was already held at Black Beach Prison on corruption allegations.
A fact-check by Dubawa corroborated that Engonga was taken into custody on corruption charges and is currently detained at the notorious Black Beach Prison.
The scandal marks a significant blow to the country’s anti-corruption efforts, given Engonga’s former role in combating financial misconduct.
