Former Equatorial Guinea Official Balthazar Ebang, Whose Sex Videos Went Viral, Faces 18-Year Jail Term for Corruption

Balthazar Engonga Ebang, the former Director-General of Equatorial Guinea’s National Agency for Financial Investigation (ANIF), is facing an 18-year prison sentence as he stands trial for serious corruption charges. The high-profile case, which began on Monday, June 30, has captured public attention not only for the severity of the accusations but also because Ebang was previously thrust into the spotlight when explicit videos of him went viral in late 2024.

Ebang is accused of embezzlement, illicit enrichment, and abuse of power during his time in office. Prosecutors allege that he misappropriated over one billion CFA francs—approximately 1.67 million US dollars—from public funds. The charges stem from financial dealings connected to a state-owned enterprise under the Ministry of Finance.

Prosecutors are seeking eight years in prison for embezzlement, four years and five months for illicit enrichment, and six years and one day for abuse of power. They are also demanding a fine of 910 million CFA francs and a ban on Ebang holding public office throughout the duration of his sentence.

The defense team has firmly denied all allegations, insisting that the charges are politically motivated and unsupported by credible evidence. Despite the defense’s efforts to challenge the prosecution’s case, the trial has continued to draw widespread attention, fueled by the combination of alleged financial misconduct and the earlier controversy surrounding the leaked videos.

The court has not yet delivered a verdict.