Ex-Equatorial Guinea anti-graft boss Engonga sentenced to prison

Baltasar Engonga, the former Director General of Equatorial Guinea’s National Financial Investigation Agency, is currently standing trial at the Malabo court on serious corruption charges that could earn him up to 18 years behind bars if convicted.

Engonga, once tasked with tackling financial crimes in the oil-rich Central African nation, has been detained at the notorious Black Beach Prison since September 2024. The prison, known for its harsh conditions, is often associated with high-profile political and financial cases.

He is accused of mismanaging public funds, illegally enriching himself, and abusing his position while serving as the head of the Directorate General of Insurance and Reinsurance from 2015 to 2020.

A report by Le Bled Parle reveals that prosecutors claim Engonga was involved in a well-planned financial scam that redirected government money for his personal benefit.

During Monday’s hearing, the national prosecutor recommended he be sentenced to eight years for embezzlement, four years and five months for illegal enrichment, and six years and one day for abuse of office.

In addition to the prison terms, Engonga may also be fined over 910 million CFA francs (around $1.5 million) and banned from holding any public office while serving his sentence.

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

The tapes reportedly feature high-profile women, including the wives of ministers, security chiefs, and even family members of top government officials.

Authorities say the videos, recorded with consent, were found on CDs and hard drives stashed in his private office, and many have since been leaked online, sparking public outrage.

Engonga is standing trial alongside six other former top officials, including Carmelo Julio Matogo Ndong and Florentina Iganga Iñandji, all accused of being part of what authorities describe as a vast network of public fund looting.

The trial is expected to continue this week, as defence lawyers begin presenting their arguments.