Baltasar Engonga, former Director General of Equatorial Guinea’s National Financial Investigation Agency, is facing up to 18 years in prison following corruption charges brought against him in a Malabo court.
Engonga has been detained at the notorious Black Beach Prison since September 2024 amid a corruption probe. While his arrest centers on financial misconduct, investigators also uncovered over 400 sextapes involving prominent women materials found during searches of his home and office.
Prosecutors allege Engonga orchestrated a complex embezzlement scheme during his tenure as head of the Directorate General of Insurance and Reinsurance between 2015 and 2020.
The charges against him include 8 years for embezzlement of public funds, 4 years and 5 months for unlawful enrichment, 6 years and 1 day for abuse of power.
The state also seeks a fine exceeding 910 million CFA francs (approximately $1.5 million) and a ban on holding public office during his sentence.
At 54, the economist stands trial alongside six other former senior officials. Among them are Carmelo Julio Matogo Ndong, Ireneo Mangue Monsuy Afana, and Florentina Iganga Iñandji each accused of involvement in a sprawling corruption network.
The trial, expected to run over three days, continues this week with defense attorneys presenting their cases.
The sextapes, reportedly recorded with consent, allegedly feature the wives of senior government officials, including ministers, the Director General of Police, and even the sister of the president. The videos have since leaked online, fueling public outrage and media frenzy.
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