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Baltasar Engonga: Equatorial Guinea to arraign ex-ANIF boss amid leaked video scandal

The Government of Equatorial Guinea has filed a lawsuit against Baltasar Engonga, the former Director General of the National Financial Investigation Agency, over alleged misconduct tied to a sex tape scandal.

According to a statement from the Minister of Information, Press, and Culture, Jerรณnimo Osa Osa, Engongaโ€™s actions are seen as a โ€œviolation of the ethical and moral values of noble Equatorial Guinean society.โ€

During a public address covered by local outlet Ahora EG, the Minister announced that the government, through the State Attorney Generalโ€™s Office, has launched an investigation into Engongaโ€™s activities. Ahora EG reported that the decision followed the viral spread of videos showing Engonga with multiple women, including some who are married.

In an official statement released Friday, the government condemned Engongaโ€™s conduct, describing it as damaging to family and social cohesion and as tarnishing the countryโ€™s reputation. Consequently, legal action is being taken through the Public Prosecutorโ€™s Office to hold Engonga and any accomplices accountable.

The government emphasized that the investigation would cover both administrative and criminal aspects, citing the possible impact on public health. Additionally, the inquiry will consider issues like privacy violations, consent, and harm to individualsโ€™ honor and prestige, including that of the state itself.

Earlier, reports indicated Engonga had been arrested after authorities discovered more than 400 sex tapes involving high-profile individualsโ€™ spouses during a fraud investigation. The tapes reportedly feature women connected to prominent figures, such as the Presidentโ€™s sister and the wife of the Director General of Police.

In response, the government has ordered the installation of CCTV cameras in courts and government offices to deter โ€œindecent and illicit actsโ€ and has suspended officials implicated in the scandal.

Vice-President Teodoro Mangue issued a statement on Tuesday warning that any official engaging in sexual conduct at work would face disciplinary action, calling it a โ€œflagrant violation of the code of conduct.โ€