Baltasar Engonga, Director General of Equatorial Guinea’s National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF), has been arrested following allegations of recording over 400 sex tapes featuring the wives of prominent figures in the country. The scandal emerged during a separate fraud investigation, where an unplanned search of Engonga’s home and office led officials to discover hundreds of CDs documenting his private encounters with married women, reportedly including relatives of the President, the wife of the Director General of Police, and spouses of about 20 government ministers.
Dubbed an unprecedented scandal, the explicit footage—some of which was filmed in Engonga’s office with the national flag in the background—surfaced on social media, sparking national controversy. According to local media, Engonga, also known as “Bello,” allegedly engaged in these acts with the consent of the women involved, which legally exempts him from sexual assault charges, though it has severely tarnished his reputation and the public’s trust in the country’s administration.
The Attorney General, Nzang Nguema, has emphasized that while consensual relationships are not criminalized, the exposure of these tapes poses severe health risks, citing the potential spread of contagious diseases among partners and the broader community. He further encouraged victims to report cases of coercion or assault, highlighting the need for an environment where such allegations can be safely brought forward.
In response to the scandal, Equatorial Guinea’s government has announced an immediate suspension of any officials found engaging in sexual activities within ministry offices, marking a firm stance on ethics violations. Vice President Nguema Mangue stressed that these behaviors represent a clear breach of the Code of Conduct and Public Ethics Law, reiterating the administration’s “zero tolerance” approach to misconduct. In a public statement, Mangue highlighted the importance of ethics and respect in government, warning that any action undermining public trust will be met with severe consequences.
The scandal has triggered a renewed emphasis on ethical standards within the public sector, with government leaders aiming to set a precedent for accountability and responsible behavior in the workplace.
