Equatorial Guinea’s financial agency head arrested amid S*xtape scandal involving VIPs’ families

Baltasar Engonga, the Director General of Equatorial Guinea’s National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF), has been arrested for allegedly recording over 400 sextapes involving the wives and sisters of prominent figures in the country.

The scandal unfolded during a fraud investigation into the 54-year-old economist, leading ANIF officials to conduct unexpected searches of his home and office, where they discovered numerous CDs containing explicit recordings of intimate encounters with various married women.

Reports indicate that the videos feature high-profile individuals, including Engonga’s brother’s wife, his cousin, the sister of the President, the wife of the Director General of Police, and approximately 20 wives of government ministers. The footage, which has since been leaked online, was reportedly recorded with the consent of the women involved, igniting significant media outrage.

Local media outlet Ahora EG has reported that Engonga has been entangled in this unprecedented sexual scandal since last October. Known as “Bello,” the former ANIF chief engaged in sexual relations with several women, some of whom are married, and documented these interactions.

“The most striking thing is that some scenes took place in his work office, including moments in which he is seen sleeping with a woman next to the National Flag,” the report stated.

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In response to the scandal, the government has announced measures aimed at reinforcing expected conduct among public officials to foster a respectful working environment.

“Erotic videos have been circulating on social media featuring Baltasar EBANG ENGONGA, who is currently imprisoned for alleged corruption,” the report continued. “He filmed these scenes with the consent of the women, exonerating him from potential charges of violating their integrity. However, the footage does depict unprotected sexual acts with both married and single influential women.”

Attorney General Nzang Nguema addressed the scandal, asserting that while the tapes imply consent, the law requires clear evidence of coercion or violence to classify an act as a crime. He noted the broader implications for both the women involved and their partners, stating, “The possibility of a contagious disease being spread through these sexual interactions makes the situation even more critical.” Nguema emphasized the importance of victims feeling safe to report sexual abuse or assault.

In light of the scandal, the Equatorial Guinea government has decided to suspend all officials found to have engaged in sexual relations within government offices. This action reflects their “zero tolerance” policy toward behavior that undermines the integrity of public service.

Vice President Nguema Mangue condemned these actions as clear violations of the Code of Conduct and the Public Ethics Law, stating on X, “Ethics and respect are fundamental in our Administration. Irresponsible attitudes that put citizen trust at risk will not be allowed.”

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