Equatorial Guinea Official Arrested Amid Scandal.

Equatorial Guinea Official Arrested Amid Scandal Over Secret Recordings with VIPs’ Wives

Baltasar Engonga, the Director General of Equatorial Guinea’s National Financial Investigation Agency, has been detained in connection with a scandal involving alleged recordings of over 400 intimate encounters with the wives of prominent figures across the country. The 54-year-old economist came under scrutiny during a fraud investigation, which led officials to search his home and office, ultimately revealing CDs containing compromising footage.

The tapes reportedly involve high-profile individuals, including Engonga’s relatives and influential figures such as the sister of the President of Equatorial Guinea, the Inspector General of Police’s wife, and the wives of around 20 ministers. Some of the videos are said to include encounters with his own family members, like his brother’s wife and cousin.

According to local media outlet Ahora EG, the recordings, which were allegedly consensual, have been leaked online, creating a media storm. This scandal, which surfaced last October, is considered one of the most significant in Equatorial Guinea’s recent history.

Addressing the tapes, Attorney General Nzang Nguema clarified that consensual relationships do not constitute a criminal offense under the country’s laws unless coercion or violence is involved. However, he emphasized the importance of victims speaking out in cases of abuse or assault, underscoring the need for a safe environment for reporting such incidents. He also expressed concern over potential health risks, suggesting that these encounters could increase the spread of contagious diseases, affecting not just those involved but their families and communities.

In response to the scandal, Equatorial Guinea has immediately suspended all officials found to have engaged in sexual activities within ministry offices. The government’s decision aligns with its “zero tolerance” stance on conduct that undermines public service integrity.

Vice President Nguema Mangue condemned the actions in a post on X, stressing that ethics and respect are fundamental to the administration. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining public trust, warning that any behavior compromising these values will not be tolerated.