Baltasar Engonga, ex-Director-General of Equatorial Guinea’s National Financial Investigation Agency, has been arrested and is now detained at Malabo’s Black Beach Prison. The 54-year-old former anti-corruption official faces allegations of recording over 400 explicit videos with the spouses of prominent figures in the country, which were reportedly uncovered during a financial fraud probe.
During an unannounced search of Engonga’s residence and office, ANIF investigators reportedly discovered CDs containing videos of his interactions with multiple married women. As footage circulated online, stirring a media frenzy, President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo swiftly dismissed Engonga from his post through Decree No. 118/2024, citing “improper family and social behavior” unfit for public service.
A recent viral video showed Engonga handcuffed at a court hearing. French blog Afrikmatin confirmed that he was removed from office on November 6, 2024, subsequently restrained and sent to Malabo Central Prison to face corruption and embezzlement charges. Online news outlet UGStandard reported that the tapes emerged on social media while Engonga was already in detention, accused of misusing public funds.
Dubawa, a fact-checking organization, verified Engonga’s arrest and current imprisonment on corruption charges at Black Beach Prison.