Former director-general of the National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF) in Equatorial Guinea, Baltasar Engonga, is facing up to 18 years in prison for alleged embezzlement and abuse of office.

Engonga, who previously headed the National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF) and also served as director general of insurance and reinsurance, appeared before a court in Malabo this week.

He has been held at the notorious Black Beach Prison since September 2024.

The charges against him include embezzlement, illicit enrichment and abuse of power. Prosecutors are also demanding a fine of over 910 million CFA francs, which amounts to approximately 1.5 million dollars.

In addition to the prison sentence and fine, they are asking for a ban that would prevent him from holding any public office during the term.

Recall that in a twist that rocked the country’s political elite, investigators uncovered over 400 sex tapes during a search of Engonga’s office and home.

According to reports, sex tapes were discovered in Engonga’s home and office, featuring him in intimate scenes with several women. The recordings were reportedly found on CDs and hard drives and later leaked online. Some of the women in the videos were said to be wives and sisters of top politicians and security officials.

A report stated, “In these videos, Engonga, nicknamed ‘Bello’, appears in the company of several women, some allegedly married. The recordings are now circulating on social media, causing a public outcry.”

The tapes, which were allegedly recorded with the women’s consent, have generated shockwaves across the country and drawn widespread criticism. The scandal has not only embarrassed the ruling elite but also triggered an investigation into whether Engonga knowingly exposed his partners to sexually transmitted infections.

Engonga is believed to be a relative of President Teodoro Nguema, making the case even more politically sensitive. His arrest and trial have raised questions about the credibility of the country’s fight against corruption.

He is standing trial alongside six other former officials, including Carmelo Julio Matogo Ndong and Florentina Iganga Iñandji, who are also accused of playing roles in the alleged looting of public funds.

The court proceedings are ongoing, with more revelations expected in the coming days as the defence begins to respond to the charges.