Engonga: Ex-Equatorial Guinea Anti-Graft Chief remanded to prison custody amid scandal

Baltasar Engonga, the former Director-General of Equatorial Guinea’s National Financial Investigation Agency, has been remanded in Malabo’s infamous Black Beach Prison.

The embattled ex-official, who was recently arrested, faces explosive allegations involving over 400 recorded sex tapes featuring the wives of prominent figures in the country.

The scandal emerged during a separate fraud investigation into Engonga, a 54-year-old economist.

ANIF officials conducting a search of his residence and office reportedly uncovered numerous CDs containing evidence of his sexual encounters with married women.

As the explicit footage leaked online, a media firestorm erupted, leading to President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo’s decision to dismiss Engonga from his role.

According to Decree No. 118/2024, dated November 4, the president cited “irregularities committed in the exercise of his functions, as well as inappropriate family and social conduct” as reasons for the dismissal.

A viral video circulating on social media showed Engonga appearing in court, heavily restrained with handcuffs on both his hands and legs.

French blog Afrikmatin confirmed Engonga’s official removal on November 6, followed by his transfer to Malabo Central Prison under charges of corruption and embezzlement.

UGStandard also reported that sex tapes had started circulating on social networks while Engonga remained in custody at Black Beach Prison for embezzlement allegations.

Dubawa, a fact-checking organization, verified on Wednesday that Engonga is indeed detained on corruption charges, shedding light on one of the most high-profile scandals in Equatorial Guinea’s recent history.