Baltasar Engonga, the former Director-General of Equatorial Guinea’s National Financial Investigation Agency, has been detained at Malabo’s notorious Black Beach Prison following a scandal involving hundreds of explicit tapes allegedly featuring him with the wives of influential figures. The 54-year-old former anti-corruption chief, who is also facing fraud allegations, was arrested after an investigation led authorities to uncover over 400 illicit recordings stored on CDs at his home and office.
The revelations emerged amid a broader fraud investigation that led ANIF officials to conduct a surprise search of Engonga’s premises. As the compromising videos leaked online, they caused a media storm, and Equatorial Guinea’s President, Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, promptly removed Engonga from his position.
According to Decree No. 118/2024, dated November 4, President Obiang cited “irregularities committed in the exercise of his functions, as well as inappropriate family and social conduct for the performance of public duties” as grounds for Engonga’s dismissal.
A widely circulated video released on Friday showed Engonga, visibly restrained in handcuffs and leg chains, during a court appearance. Following his formal dismissal on November 6, 2024, the former official was reportedly transported to Malabo Central Prison, where he now faces serious charges, including corruption and embezzlement.
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