BALTASAR ENGONGA FACES 18-YEAR JAIL TERM IN CORRUPTION TRIAL AMID SEXTAPE SCANDAL
Read Time:1 Minute, 53 Second
By Aishat Momoh. O.
The former Director General of Equatorial Guinea’s National Financial Investigation Agency, Baltasar Engonga, is facing up to 18 years in prison after appearing before a court in Malabo on corruption charges linked to embezzlement, abuse of power, and unlawful enrichment.
Engonga, who has been held at the notorious Black Beach Prison since September 2024, is accused of orchestrating a large-scale diversion of public funds during his tenure as head of the Directorate General of Insurance and Reinsurance between 2015 and 2020.
During Monday’s court session, state prosecutors outlined what they described as a sophisticated financial scheme used to siphon public money for personal benefit. They are seeking a cumulative sentence of 18 years: eight years for embezzlement, six years and one day for abuse of power, and four years and five months for unlawful enrichment. Additionally, prosecutors recommended a fine of over 910 million CFA francs (approximately \$1.5 million) and a ban on holding public office during the sentence.
The 54-year-old economist is one of several senior former officials standing trial in connection with what authorities describe as a vast network of financial corruption. Among others facing similar charges are Carmelo Julio Matogo Ndong, Ireneo Mangue Monsuy Afana, and Florentina Iganga Iñandji.
The trial, expected to span three days, continues this week with the defence team set to present its arguments.
Beyond the corruption case, Engonga has also been at the centre of a sensational sex scandal following the discovery of over 400 sextapes found during a surprise search of his office and residence. The tapes, reportedly recorded with consent, allegedly feature intimate encounters with high-profile women, including the wives of senior government officials, such as ministers, the Director General of Police, and even close relatives of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema.
The scandal, which has sent shockwaves across Equatorial Guinea, erupted after CDs containing the explicit footage were discovered by investigators from the financial agency. The leaked videos have sparked widespread public outrage and added a salacious layer to an already explosive corruption case.
While the court proceedings focus solely on financial crimes, the sextape revelations have further damaged Engonga’s reputation and rattled the country’s political elite.
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
100 %
1
0