Controversial Official Baltasar Engonga on Trial for Corruption

  Baltasar Engonga Edjo, a prominent and controversial former government official in Equatorial Guinea, is currently standing trial on serious corruption charges. The high-profile case comes after a lengthy 10-month detention and widespread public attention fueled by viral videos that surfaced last year.

Engonga, formerly the Director General of the National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF) and previously holding a key position within the Directorate General of Insurance and Reinsurance, is accused alongside six other former senior officials of a deeply entrenched scheme involving embezzlement, misappropriation of public funds, unlawful enrichment, and abuse of power. Prosecutors allege that Engonga orchestrated a sophisticated financial fraud operation designed to divert state resources into private hands.

His detention at the notorious Black Beach Prison began in September 2024, following his arrest during a sweeping anti-corruption probe initiated by the government. The case has quickly become one of the most significant anti-corruption trials in the country's history.

The scandal surrounding Engonga took a sensational turn with reports of the discovery of over 400 alleged sex tapes during a surprise search of his residence and office. These recordings, reportedly stored on compact discs, are said to feature illicit encounters with several high-profile women, including wives of ministers, senior security officials, and even relatives of the country's ruling elite. While these explosive revelations have dominated public discourse, Engonga is currently being prosecuted solely for financial crimes.

During recent court proceedings, the prosecution meticulously laid out the charges, requesting substantial penalties, including an 18-year jail term for Engonga for the embezzlement of public funds. The trial continues to draw significant attention, highlighting ongoing concerns about governance and ethical accountability within Equatorial Guinea's public offices.