The Government of Equatorial Guinea has initiated legal proceedings against Baltasar Engonga, the former Director General of the National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF), following a sex tape scandal. Engonga is accused of misconduct that the government claims “violates the ethical and moral values of noble Equatorial Guinean society.” The announcement was made by Minister of Information, Press, and Culture, Jerónimo Osa Osa, over the weekend, as reported by local media platform Ahora EG.
In his address, Minister Osa Osa confirmed that the State Attorney General’s Office is launching a comprehensive investigation into Engonga’s actions. “This decision comes after several videos went viral in which Ebang Engonga is seen having sexual relations with multiple women, some of whom are married,” Ahora EG reported.
The government issued a formal statement on Friday, condemning Engonga’s actions as “violations of the ethical and moral values of noble Equatorial Guinean society.” Consequently, legal proceedings are now underway through the Public Prosecutor’s Office to hold Engonga and any accomplices accountable.
“Given the serious nature of these events, which undermine family and social cohesion and negatively impact the good image of our country, the government has commenced an in-depth investigation to establish administrative, civil, and criminal responsibilities,” announced a government spokesperson. The investigation also considers the potential public health implications of the scandal.
The government noted it will review various aspects of the case, including distinctions between personal and private spheres, consent, violations of privacy, damage to individual reputations, and potential harm to the state’s interests.
Previously, The PUNCH reported Engonga’s arrest amid a fraud investigation that led to the discovery of over 400 alleged sex tapes involving the wives of prominent figures in Equatorial Guinea. During a search of Engonga’s home and office, officials reportedly found CDs containing explicit content involving high-profile individuals, including the sister of the President of Equatorial Guinea, the wife of the Director General of Police, and spouses of approximately 20 ministers.
The footage, allegedly recorded with consent, has since circulated online, prompting public outrage. In response, the government has ordered the installation of surveillance cameras in ministries and courts to deter “indecent and illicit acts” and suspended officials implicated in the scandal.
On Tuesday, Vice President Teodoro Mangue reinforced the government’s stance, warning that any officials engaging in sexual acts at work would face disciplinary action, describing such conduct as a “flagrant violation of the code of conduct.”
