Equatorial Guinea has arrested its Director General of National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF)Baltasar Engonga, following allegations that he recorded over 400 explicit videos featuring the wives of prominent public figures in the country.
The 54-year-old, known locally by the nickname “Bello,” was apprehended after authorities uncovered the trove of CDs containing the explicit material during a separate investigation into fraud allegations against Engonga.
The recordings are reported to feature the spouses of high-ranking officials, including the wife of the Director General of Police, close family members, and relatives of senior government figures, such as the sister of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo and the spouses of multiple government ministers.
The videos were allegedly filmed in various locations, including Engonga’s office, with the national flag occasionally visible in the background. While the encounters were reportedly consensual, the leaked footage has sparked widespread public outrage and intense scrutiny from local media.
Engonga’s position has now become a focal point of national controversy, with the revelations described as unprecedented in the country’s history and exposing what has been called “flagrant violations” of ethical standards by a senior public official.
Equatorial Guinea’s Attorney General, Nzang Nguema, has clarified that consensual relations without coercion are not criminal under current laws. However, he has raised concerns over public health risks and emphasised the importance of a supportive environment for reporting any instances of non-consensual encounters or abuse.
Following the scandal, the government has swiftly enacted a suspension of officials involved in any sexual conduct within ministry offices as part of a broader “zero tolerance” stance on behaviour that compromises public trust.
Vice President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue has condemned the actions in a statement, underscoring that “ethics and respect are fundamental in our Administration” and reaffirming the nation’s commitment to enforcing public service integrity.
The case has highlighted the government’s dedication to maintaining a professional and ethical standard across its institutions, with officials stating that they aim to prevent future breaches of public trust and reinforce a respectful workplace culture.
