Equatorial Guinea President Fires Anti-Corruption Chief Over Leaked Sex Tape Scandal, Appoints Successor

In a significant shake-up within Equatorial Guinea’s National Agency for Financial Investigation (ANIF), President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo has removed Baltasar Ebang Engonga from his position as Director General amid a scandal involving explicit recordings with high-profile officials’ wives. Engonga has been replaced by Zenón Obiang Obiang Avomo, a seasoned legal expert and former judge.

The change was first reported by Equatorial Guinea’s local media outlet, Ahora EG, on Thursday. Engonga’s dismissal is cited in Decree 118/2024, issued November 4, which outlined the grounds as “irregularities committed in the exercise of his functions, as well as inappropriate family and social conduct,” according to the decree.

The scandal reportedly surfaced following a raid on Engonga’s office, where authorities found more than 400 explicit videos allegedly involving him and the spouses of prominent figures, including government ministers, law enforcement officers, and the sister of the President. The recordings, which appear to have been consensual, quickly circulated online, leading to public outcry and a widespread call for accountability among officials.

Engonga, a well-known economist, was reportedly arrested as investigations deepened into financial irregularities that had triggered the raid. In response to the scandal, the government has moved swiftly to implement new ethical safeguards, including the installation of surveillance cameras in all state offices to curb further misconduct. Additionally, officials implicated in similar activities have been suspended pending further investigation.

Zenón Obiang Obiang Avomo, the newly appointed Director General of ANIF, is a law graduate from the National University of Equatorial Guinea (UNGE) and brings extensive government experience. His previous roles include Magistrate Judge of Malabo, Secretary General of the Ministry of Finance, Economy, and Planning, and Secretary General of Mines, Industry, and Energy.

With the appointment of Avomo, the government aims to restore public confidence in its anti-graft efforts and reinforce ethical standards across public offices.