Johannesburg, South Africa — Baltasar Ebang Engonga, the former director of Equatorial Guinea’s National Agency for Financial Investigation (ANIF), finds himself at the centre of a dual scandal following his detention on charges of embezzling public funds. The case has drawn international attention after hundreds of his intimate videos were leaked online, compounding his legal troubles and raising questions about privacy and ethics.
Engonga was detained on 25 October 2024 under suspicion of corruption and illicit enrichment. During the investigation, authorities seized electronic devices that reportedly contained compromising footage. These videos, later leaked on social media, depicted intimate encounters involving Engonga and multiple partners, some of whom are said to be the spouses of senior government officials, military leaders, and even members of the presidential family.
The leak sparked outrage and embarrassment at the highest levels of government. Vice President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue intervened, instructing telecommunications firms to curtail the spread of the videos. “We cannot stand by while these images tear families apart and sow further discord,” he declared in a public statement.
Engonga is being held at Malabo’s infamous Black Beach prison, a facility notorious for its harsh conditions and allegations of abuse. Reports suggest that his imprisonment has become more severe following the video leak, with tighter surveillance and additional restrictions imposed. While authorities have not officially commented on these claims, local sources indicate that his situation has deteriorated significantly.
The case has ignited debate about the ethical conduct of public officials and the balance between transparency and personal privacy in Equatorial Guinea. While many condemn Engonga’s alleged actions, others question the political motives behind the video leak and the harsh treatment he is reportedly enduring. Human rights organisations have expressed concern about the case, suggesting it may reflect broader issues of repression and a lack of judicial independence in the country.
Authorities continue to investigate both the corruption charges against Engonga and the circumstances surrounding the dissemination of the intimate videos. However, the incident has already left a significant mark on the country’s political and social landscape, exposing systemic vulnerabilities and raising difficult questions about governance and justice.
As Engonga remains incarcerated, his case highlights the intersection of personal scandal and state politics, leaving his future—and the broader implications for Equatorial Guinea—shrouded in uncertainty.
