Baltasar Ebang Engonga, a high-ranking Equatorial Guinean government official and politician, is at the center of a major scandal following the leak of over 400 explicit videos featuring him and multiple women. This incident, described by Real Equatorial Guinea as the country’s most significant sex scandal, has left the public in shock and incited widespread outrage.
Engonga, the son of Baltasar Engonga Edjoo, the current president of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC), previously headed Equatorial Guinea’s anti-graft National Agency for Financial Investigation (ANIF). Reports suggest that he covertly recorded intimate encounters by hijacking surveillance equipment from his office, utilizing both professional and public settings for these recordings.
The leaked footage, now circulating on social media, features various partners, including married women and influential figures, which has intensified public condemnation. Engonga, 54, faces increasing scrutiny as these intimate videos emerge, revealing encounters in private hotel rooms and his government office.
The involvement of high-profile officials’ spouses in the recordings has further complicated the situation, prompting netizens to demand severe consequences, including legal action against Engonga.
Investigation Underway
The Attorney General’s Office, led by Anatolio Nzang Nguema, is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the videos and Engonga’s actions. There are concerns regarding potential exposure to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), raising the possibility that he may have knowingly put others at risk. If proven, this could lead to charges of endangering public health, a serious offense under Equatorial Guinean law.
While consensual relationships are permissible, Nguema emphasized that intentionally exposing others to infections is punishable. He warned that “the population is in danger because behind each woman involved, there are potentially spouses and other people indirectly exposed.” Investigators are focused on collecting concrete evidence to determine if formal charges can be pursued.
Corruption Allegations
Engonga was initially arrested on corruption charges related to misappropriating state funds during his tenure at ANIF, with allegations of redirecting approximately 1.223 billion CFA francs to personal accounts. This financial investigation led to asset seizures and preventive detention. During the probe, the incriminating tapes were discovered on his computer, revealing a hidden personal life marked by scandal.
As the investigation unfolds, Equatorial Guinea’s judicial and public health authorities are assessing the health risks posed to those allegedly involved. Engonga has held various influential positions, blending political power with financial expertise, but recent scandals involving sexual misconduct and corruption have severely tarnished his public image, overshadowing his contributions to national and regional economies.
