Equatorial Guinea’s Baltasar remanded in prison

Baltasar Engonga, the former Director-General of Equatorial Guinea’s National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF), has been embroiled in a shocking scandal, leading to his detention at Malabo’s infamous Black Beach Prison.

The once-respected anti-corruption chief, aged 54, was recently arrested following explosive allegations that he recorded over 400 sex tapes with the wives of high-profile figures in the country. This startling revelation emerged during an ongoing fraud investigation into Engonga’s activities, prompting ANIF officials to conduct unannounced searches of his home and office, where they reportedly discovered CDs containing explicit footage.

The scandal intensified as clips began circulating online, creating a social media firestorm and prompting swift action from Equatorial Guinea’s President, Obiang Nguema Mbasogo. In Decree No. 118/2024, dated November 4, the President officially dismissed Engonga for "irregularities in his duties" and "conduct unbecoming of a public official."

A video that went viral on social media showed Engonga, shackled at both hands and feet, being led into a court appearance. French blog Afrikmatin confirmed that he was officially relieved of his duties on November 6, before being chained and transferred to Malabo Central Prison on charges of corruption and embezzlement.

Further reports from UGStandard revealed that while Engonga was already detained on accusations of misappropriating public funds, the circulation of the sex tapes added another layer of controversy. State television TVGE has also confirmed his imprisonment, while a fact-check report by Dubawa verified his ongoing custody at Black Beach Prison for corruption-related charges.

This high-profile case has sent shockwaves through Equatorial Guinea, exposing the extent of corruption and scandal within the corridors of power.