Baltasar Engonga: Equatorial Guinea to arraign ex-ANIF boss amid leaked video scandal

The Government of Equatorial Guinea has filed a lawsuit against Baltasar Engonga, the former Director General of the National Financial Investigation Agency, over alleged misconduct tied to a sex tape scandal.

According to a statement from the Minister of Information, Press, and Culture, Jerónimo Osa Osa, Engonga’s actions are seen as a “violation of the ethical and moral values of noble Equatorial Guinean society.”

During a public address covered by local outlet Ahora EG, the Minister announced that the government, through the State Attorney General’s Office, has launched an investigation into Engonga’s activities. Ahora EG reported that the decision followed the viral spread of videos showing Engonga with multiple women, including some who are married.

In an official statement released Friday, the government condemned Engonga’s conduct, describing it as damaging to family and social cohesion and as tarnishing the country’s reputation. Consequently, legal action is being taken through the Public Prosecutor’s Office to hold Engonga and any accomplices accountable.

The government emphasized that the investigation would cover both administrative and criminal aspects, citing the possible impact on public health. Additionally, the inquiry will consider issues like privacy violations, consent, and harm to individuals’ honor and prestige, including that of the state itself.

Earlier, reports indicated Engonga had been arrested after authorities discovered more than 400 sex tapes involving high-profile individuals’ spouses during a fraud investigation. The tapes reportedly feature women connected to prominent figures, such as the President’s sister and the wife of the Director General of Police.

In response, the government has ordered the installation of CCTV cameras in courts and government offices to deter “indecent and illicit acts” and has suspended officials implicated in the scandal.

Vice-President Teodoro Mangue issued a statement on Tuesday warning that any official engaging in sexual conduct at work would face disciplinary action, calling it a “flagrant violation of the code of conduct.”