Baltasar Engonga, the Director General of the National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF) in Equatorial Guinea, has been arrested following the discovery of over 400 sex tapes involving the wives of prominent individuals in the country.
The tapes were uncovered during a fraud investigation after officials conducted a surprise search of Engonga’s home and office. Stored on CDs, the videos depicted Engonga’s sexual encounters with high-profile women, including the wife of his brother, the cousin and sister of the country’s president, the wife of the Director General of Police, and the spouses of about 20 ministers.
The footage, which has since leaked online, was reportedly recorded with the consent of the women involved. Local media has reported that the scandal has sent shockwaves throughout the nation. Some of the encounters were filmed in Engonga’s office, with one scene allegedly showing him engaging in sexual activities next to the national flag.
A report on Ahora EG stated, “Baltasar EBANG ENGONGA is said to have filmed these scenes with the consent of the women themselves, which exonerates him from any violation of integrity. In the videos, he is seen engaging in unprotected sex with several women, including those married to powerful and well-known figures, as well as influential single women in Equatorial Guinea. Some of the scenes were filmed in hotel rooms, private residences, and even in his office at the Ministry of Finance.”
The Equatorial Guinea government has responded quickly, suspending all officials implicated in sexual activities within ministry offices. Vice President Nguema Mangue condemned the actions, stating they violate the country’s Code of Conduct and Public Ethics Law. He reaffirmed the government’s “zero tolerance” policy toward behavior that undermines the integrity of public service, stressing the importance of ethics and respect.
While Engonga faces charges related to corruption, authorities have clarified that consensual sexual acts are not considered criminal unless there is evidence of coercion or violence. The Attorney General has urged victims of sexual abuse to come forward, citing public health risks associated with the widespread nature of these encounters.
The scandal has sparked widespread public outrage, with calls for stronger oversight and accountability for public officials in Equatorial Guinea.