Equatorial Guinea: Former Anti-Graft Chief Baltasar Engonga Remanded in Prison Amid Scandal

Equatorial Guinea’s former Director-General of the National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF) Baltasar Engonga has been remanded in custody at the Black Beach Prison in Malabo, following his arrest last week on serious charges tied to a scandal involving extramarital affairs.

Engonga, 54, is accused of having illicit relationships with high-profile women, including the sister of the country’s president and wives of several prominent figures. The scandal erupted after anti-corruption officials, investigating Engonga for financial fraud, discovered explicit videos at his residence. The videos reportedly show Engonga in compromising situations with various married women, including the wives of senior government officials and influential figures, such as the Director-General of Police’s wife.

The discovery, made during an unexpected raid on Engonga’s home and office, revealed numerous CDs containing footage of his affairs, which reportedly involved more than 20 women, some with connections to the country’s political elite.

As a result of the ongoing investigations and media reports linking him to these scandals, Engonga was dismissed from his position as Director-General of ANIF earlier this week. He has since been replaced by Zenón Obiang Obiang Avomo.

The controversy surrounding Engonga has intensified public scrutiny of Equatorial Guinea’s government, as the investigation into his alleged corruption and sexual misconduct continues.

Engonga remains incarcerated at the infamous Black Beach Prison while awaiting further legal proceedings.