Baltasar Engonga Ebang, the embattled former Director General of Equatorial Guinea’s National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF), has been sentenced to 18 years in prison after being found guilty of multiple corruption charges.

The ruling follows a high-profile trial at the Malabo court that has captivated national and international attention.

Engonga, who had been held at the notorious Black Beach Prison since September 2024, was convicted of embezzling over 1 billion CFA francs (approximately $1.5 million), illicit enrichment, and abuse of power.

Prosecutors detailed a sophisticated scheme through which public funds were diverted for personal gain during Engonga’s tenure as head of the Directorate General of Insurance and Reinsurance (DGAR) between 2015 and 2020.

The court handed down a combined sentence of 18 years: eight years for embezzlement, four years and five months for unlawful enrichment, and six years and one day for abuse of power.

Engonga was also fined over 910 million CFA francs and banned from holding public office for the duration of his sentence.

The 54-year-old economist is not the only former senior official facing legal action. Six others, including Carmelo Julio Matogo Ndong, Ireneo Mangue Monsuy Afana, and Florentina Iganga Iñandji, are also on trial in connection with what authorities describe as a vast network of financial corruption within state institutions.

Adding to the scandal, Engonga was embroiled in an explosive controversy after over 400 explicit videos were discovered during a surprise search of his office and home by ANIF officials.

The videos, reportedly filmed with the consent of the participants, feature Engonga in sexual encounters with more than 40 women, including the wives of senior government officials, family members, and other high-profile figures.

Among those allegedly featured in the leaked sextapes are the sister of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, the wife of the Director General of Police, and wives of nearly 20 ministers.

The footage, which circulated widely on social media in late 2024, reportedly showed encounters filmed in offices, hotels, riversides, and even restrooms.

The revelations triggered a national scandal, further deepening public outrage over widespread corruption. Engonga, a father of six, became a symbol of moral and financial decay within sections of Equatorial Guinea’s leadership.

In response, President Obiang swiftly appointed Zenón Obiang Obiang Avomo as the new Director General of ANIF and pledged to intensify the government’s fight against corruption. Additional charges were brought against Engonga related to the sex tape scandal, including misconduct and violation of ethical standards.

The trial, which began earlier this week, is expected to continue as defense attorneys present their arguments. Observers say the case underscores growing public demand for transparency and accountability in one of Africa's most resource-rich yet inequality-stricken nations.