Equatorial Guinea’s Baltasar Engonga Sentenced to 8 Years Over Sex Tape Scandal and Embezzlement
- Jiupdate reporter
- Aug 28
- 2 min read
Equatorial Guinea’s Baltasar Engonga gets 8 years in prison over a viral sex tape scandal and embezzlement charges.
Equatorial Guinea’s Baltasar Engonga Sentenced to 8 Years
Equatorial Guinea’s top government official, Baltasar Ebang Engonga, has been sentenced to eight years in prison for embezzlement. The ruling comes after months of investigations linked to a viral sex tape scandal that shook the country’s political circles.
The Bioko provincial court also imposed a fine of $220,000 (KES 28.5 million) on Engonga as part of the judgment.
Details of the Sex Tape Scandal
In late 2024, over 400 explicit videos surfaced online, allegedly involving Engonga and several women connected to senior government officials. Some of these videos were reportedly filmed inside government offices, sparking widespread outrage.
Following the leaks, Vice President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue ordered a crackdown on unethical conduct within government institutions. The measures included:
Immediate suspension of implicated officials
Installation of surveillance cameras in state offices
Stricter monitoring of file-sharing platforms like WhatsApp
Corruption Charges and Trial Outcome
Engonga, the former head of the National Financial Investigation Agency, was accused of misusing public funds, including travel allowances and operational budgets.
The court found him guilty of:
Diverting public money for personal use
Violating financial regulations
Damaging the government’s reputation
On August 27, 2025, the court sentenced him to eight years imprisonment and ordered him to pay the $220,000 fine.
Impact on Equatorial Guinea’s Leadership
Engonga is a nephew of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, making the scandal politically sensitive. Analysts believe the case exposes deep divisions within the ruling elite and may influence power succession battles.
The government’s strong response, including censorship measures and tighter controls over media, shows its efforts to contain the political fallout.
Public Reaction and Next Steps
The scandal has triggered debates on ethics, governance, and accountability in Equatorial Guinea. Many citizens have demanded tougher anti-corruption measures and stricter regulations on government conduct.
For now, authorities say they are monitoring potential leaks and ensuring compliance with state rules to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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