November 5- Baltasar Ebang Engonga, Director General of the National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF) in Equatorial Guinea, has long been regarded as a crucial figure in the nation’s fight against financial crime and corruption. But his reputation has recently been marred by a major scandal, one involving hundreds of explicit videos that have put his career and integrity under intense scrutiny.
A prominent economist and public servant, Engonga was born in 1970 and is the son of Baltasar Engonga Edjoo, president of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC). Engonga graduated from the University of Malabo with a degree in economics and finance, a background that helped him navigate the influential circles of Equatorial Guinea. Overseeing ANIF, he played a critical role in investigating financial misconduct and enforcing anti-corruption policies.
Scandal Unfolds
In November 2024, Engonga became the center of controversy after authorities found over 400 explicit videos during a fraud investigation tied to his professional conduct. These videos allegedly feature Engonga in intimate encounters with multiple women, including high-profile individuals, such as the President’s sister and the wives of other officials. Reports indicate that these encounters, filmed with consent, occurred in various locations, including Engonga’s government office.
The tapes, leaked online, have caused public outrage and sparked widespread condemnation. Among those criticizing Engonga’s actions is Vice President Teodoro Nguema, who condemned the behavior, describing it as a violation of government ethics and the Code of Conduct. “The government will take severe measures against these acts, as they constitute a flagrant violation of the Public Ethics Law,” he announced, adding that the government has “zero tolerance for behaviors that compromise public trust.”
The Vice President also ordered the immediate suspension of any officials found involved in similar behavior on government premises. He stated, “This action is a decisive step in our policy of zero tolerance towards behaviors that undermine the integrity of the public service.”
Repercussions and Investigation
Engonga, who is married with six children, faces a strained personal life amid these allegations. He now faces arrest and further investigation not only for misconduct but also for potential health risks posed by his actions. The scandal has shaken his professional image and raised broader questions about ethics and accountability in Equatorial Guinea’s leadership.
As the investigation into Engonga’s conduct continues, the scandal highlights the complex dynamics of power, ethics, and public accountability within Equatorial Guinea’s government.
