Baltasar Ebang Engonga—also known as Balthazar Egonga or by the nickname “Bello”—has been sentenced to 18 years in prison by a court in Malabo following a high-profile trial on charges of corruption and abuse of office.
A former Director‑General of the National Agency for Financial Investigation (ANIF), Engonga was found guilty of:
- Embezzlement: 8 years
- Illicit enrichment: 4 years and 5 months
- Abuse of power: 6 years and 1 day
In addition, the court imposed a fine of 910 million CFA francs (~1.5 million USD) and barred him from holding public office for the full 18‑year sentence.
Case Highlights
Massive financial irregularities
Prosecutors revealed a scheme in which Engonga siphoned more than 1 billion CFA francs from public funds during his tenure as head of ANIF and the Directorate General of Insurance and Reinsurance between 2015 and 2020. They presented evidence, including bank transfers, offshore account logs, and forged documents.
High-profile sex tape scandal
In late 2024, over 400 explicit videos involving Engonga and several high-ranking women emerged during a raid on his home and office. The women include wives of top officials, members of the president’s family, and other public figures. The tapes—reportedly consensual—sparked public outrage and intensified scrutiny of his conduct.
Fallout and official reaction
Engonga was removed from office by presidential decree and has been held in Malabo’s notorious Black Beach Prison since September 2024. The government responded to the scandal by instituting a zero‑tolerance policy on sexual conduct within public offices and pledging stronger ethics oversight.
Several of his colleagues—including Carmelo Julio Matogo Ndong, Ireneo Mangue Monsuy Afana, and Florentina Iganga Iñandji—also face charges as part of a broader corruption network.
This conviction marks a major milestone in Equatorial Guinea’s official campaign against high‑level corruption. It comes amid growing public demand for accountability and transparency among officials.
Who Is Baltasar Ebang Engonga?
Born March 15, 1978, Engonga is a nephew of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema and belongs to one of the country’s politically powerful families.
He studied finance and economics at the University of Malabo and held leadership roles at ANIF and DGAR.
His high-flying profile and insider connections may have delayed exposure until the sex scandal broke publicly in November 2024.
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