A major political scandal is rocking Equatorial Guinea as former top government official, Baltasar Engonga, faces up to 18 years in prison for massive corruption and a shocking sex tape controversy.
Engonga, who once led the country’s National Financial Investigation Agency, is being tried at a court in Malabo for allegedly embezzling public funds, illegally enriching himself, and abusing his official position between 2015 and 2020.
He has been in custody at the notorious Black Beach Prison since September 2024.
According to prosecutors, Engonga masterminded a network that looted state resources through a complex scheme. The charges carry separate jail terms:
8 years for embezzlement
4 years and 5 months for illegal enrichment
6 years and 1 day for abuse of office
He’s also facing a fine of over 910 million CFA francs (approx. $1.5 million) and a ban from holding any future public office.
But what shocked the nation most was the discovery of over 400 sex tapes during a search of his office and home. These recordings—found on CDs and hard drives—allegedly feature high-profile women, including wives of ministers, security officials, and other influential figures.
Authorities say the videos were recorded with consent, but their leak online has triggered public outrage and embarrassment within the country’s political elite.
Engonga is on trial with six other former top officials, all accused of participating in what officials have called a “broad and well-organized theft of public funds.”
The court is expected to hear defense arguments this week as the trial continues.
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