Baltasar Engonga, Director General of the National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF), has been arrested following the discovery of over 400 sex tapes involving married women, many of whom are connected to influential figures in the country. The tapes, which include recordings with high-profile individuals, were discovered during a fraud investigation and have since been leaked, igniting a nationwide media storm.
Allegations and Discovery of Sex tapes
The scandal was brought to light when ANIF officials searched Engonga’s home and office during a fraud investigation. They found hundreds of CDs containing footage of intimate encounters with numerous women, many of whom are related to or married to some of Equatorial Guinea’s most powerful figures. The individuals reportedly featured in the tapes include Engonga’s brother’s wife, his cousin, the sister of the President of Equatorial Guinea, the wife of the Director General of Police, and the spouses of approximately 20 ministers.
These videos were allegedly recorded with the women’s consent and stored in Engonga’s office. Local media outlet Ahora EG reported that the scenes took place in various locations, including hotels, private residences, and even Engonga’s office, where some recordings shockingly show him in intimate situations near the national flag.
Government Reaction and Immediate Suspensions
The fallout from the scandal has led the government to take swift action. The Vice President of Equatorial Guinea, Nguema Mangue, addressed the incident publicly, announcing that all officials involved in inappropriate sexual conduct within government offices would be suspended. Mangue expressed that this incident is a violation of the country’s Code of Conduct and Public Ethics Law, stating that “ethics and respect are fundamental in our Administration.”
The government’s stance reflects a “zero tolerance” policy towards behaviours that compromise the professionalism and integrity expected in public service. According to Mangue’s statement on social media platform X, the administration will not condone actions that jeopardize public trust, and stringent measures will be enacted to enforce respectful conduct among officials.
Speaking on the scandal, Attorney General Nzang Nguema emphasized that while the footage shows no evidence of coercion, the impact on public health and societal integrity is deeply concerning. Engonga’s behaviour, although legally consensual, has raised questions about the ethics surrounding the use of public office spaces for personal encounters.
Nguema highlighted the potential health risks associated with Engonga’s activities, pointing out that unprotected sexual interactions involving multiple partners pose risks not only to the individuals involved but also to their spouses and the broader community. He underscored the importance of reporting sexual abuse or assault cases, asserting that victims must feel safe to come forward to address such issues.
A Shocking First in Equatorial Guinea’s History
This incident has set an unprecedented mark in Equatorial Guinea’s politics. Local reports describe Engonga’s actions as a scandal “unprecedented in the history of Equatorial Guinea,” revealing layers of ethical breaches and misconduct. Known as “Bello” among colleagues, Engonga has been a prominent public figure, making the scandal particularly damaging to his reputation and the government’s image.
Ahora EG detailed the scandal, mentioning that Engonga’s conduct extended to high-profile women, including married women and influential single women. The leaked videos quickly gained attention on social media, with explicit footage circulating widely and contributing to a surge of public backlash.
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