Baltasar Engonga: Equatorial Guinea’s ANIF boss remanded in prison over leaked videos

Baltasar Engonga, former Director-General of Equatorial Guinea’s National Financial Investigation Agency, has been detained at Malabo’s Black Beach Prison.

Engonga, previously the nation’s top anti-corruption official, was recently arrested after authorities allegedly uncovered over 400 sex tapes featuring the wives of prominent public figures. The tapes were reportedly discovered during a fraud investigation into the 54-year-old economist, leading to an unplanned search of his home and office by officials from the agency, ANIF.

The scandal erupted online as portions of the footage leaked, sparking widespread public and media outrage. In response, President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo dismissed Engonga from his position. According to Decree No. 118/2024, issued on November 4, the dismissal was due to “irregularities committed in the exercise of his functions, as well as inappropriate family and social conduct incompatible with public duties.”

On Friday, a video circulated showing Engonga in court, shackled hand and foot. French blog Afrikmatin reported that after his formal dismissal on November 6, 2024, he was transferred to Malabo Central Prison, facing charges of corruption and embezzlement.

Further reports from UGStandard confirmed that the sex tapes continued circulating online while Engonga remained at Black Beach Prison, with state television TVGE confirming he was charged with embezzlement of public funds. Dubawa, a fact-checking organization, also verified that Engonga had been detained on corruption charges and remains in custody at Black Beach Prison.