A former top anti-corruption official in Equatorial Guinea, Baltasar Engonga, is facing up to 18 years in prison after being accused of embezzling public funds and abusing his position.
Engonga, the former Director General of the National Financial Investigation Agency, appeared in court on Monday in Malabo. He has been in detention at Black Beach Prison since September 2024.
Prosecutors accused him of “leading a complex scheme to steal government money while serving as head of the Directorate General of Insurance and Reinsurance between 2015 and 2020.”
Also Read:
- Ghana Deports Nigerian Man for Smuggling Fake CFA Francs
- Court Sentences Ex-Student to Death for Killing Teacher in Plateau
According to reports from Le Bled Parle, prosecutors are demanding a total of 18 years behind bars for Engonga: eight years for embezzlement, four years and five months for illegal enrichment, and six years and one day for abuse of power. They are also asking the court to fine him over 910 million CFA francs (about $1.5 million) and ban him from holding any public office.
“This was not just a case of poor leadership. It was an organised plan to divert public money for personal use,” the prosecutor told the court.
Engonga, a 54-year-old economist, is being tried alongside other former senior officials, including Carmelo Julio Matogo Ndong, Ireneo Mangue Monsuy Afana, and Florentina Iganga Iñandji.
All are accused of being part of what authorities described as a “vast network of financial corruption.”
The court case is expected to last three days, with defence lawyers presenting their side this week.
In a shocking twist to the case, investigators found over 400 sex tapes during a search of Engonga’s home and office. The tapes reportedly show Engonga with wives of high-ranking officials, including the sister of the President, the wife of the police chief, and nearly 20 ministers’ wives. The videos were allegedly recorded with the women’s consent but have since leaked online, causing a public uproar.
Officials say the sex scandal is separate from the financial crimes but has further damaged Engonga’s reputation.
“This case is about more than money. It’s about betrayal of public trust on every level,” one observer said.
The trial continues this week in Malabo.