The former Director-General of Equatorial Guinea’s National Financial Investigation Agency, Baltasar Engonga, has been detained in Malabo’s Black Beach Prison amid a high-profile scandal.
Authorities arrested Engonga days ago following allegations of corruption and the discovery of explicit footage reportedly involving the wives of prominent public figures, sources report.
The 54-year-old economist came under investigation as part of a broader anti-corruption probe.
During a search of his home and office, officials uncovered multiple CDs purportedly containing over 400 recordings of Engonga with married women. The scandal quickly escalated as some of these videos began circulating on social media, leading to public outrage.
In response, President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo issued Decree No. 118/2024, dated November 4, formally dismissing Engonga.
The decree cited “irregularities committed in the exercise of his functions, as well as inappropriate family and social conduct for the performance of public duties.”
Afrikmatin, a French blog, confirmed that Engonga had been removed from his position on November 6 and subsequently handcuffed and transferred to Malabo Central Prison.
“The footage leaking online has only heightened the outcry,” one source reported, noting that the videos sparked a media frenzy across Equatorial Guinea.
A widely circulated video showed Engonga shackled on both hands and feet as he appeared in court. Local media outlet UGStandard revealed that the tapes began to circulate publicly even as Engonga remained in custody, facing charges of embezzlement and corruption.
Dubawa, a fact-checking platform, confirmed Engonga’s detention at Black Beach Prison, affirming he is under investigation on charges related to financial misconduct and public fund embezzlement.
