Ex-Equatorial Guinea anti-corruption chief faces 18-year prison term over embezzlement scandal

Baltasar Engonga, the embattled former Director General of the National Financial Investigation Agency in Equatorial Guinea, is facing up to 18 years in prison after being charged with large-scale corruption.

Engonga, who has been held at Black Beach Prison since September 2024 following an official corruption probe, is also at the center of a separate scandal involving the discovery of over 400 sextapes featuring high-profile women, which were allegedly uncovered in his office and residence. The sextapes, however, are reportedly unrelated to the current trial.

During a hearing held on Monday in Malabo, prosecutors presented evidence describing what they called a sophisticated scheme used to divert public funds for personal benefit. The alleged crimes are linked to Engonga’s tenure as head of the Directorate General of Insurance and Reinsurance from 2015 to 2020.

According to reports by news platform Le Bled Parle, the national prosecutor has demanded severe penalties:

8 years for embezzlement of public funds

4 years and 5 months for unlawful enrichment

6 years and 1 day for abuse of power

In total, Engonga could face a combined sentence of 18 years in prison. Prosecutors also recommended a fine exceeding 910 million CFA francs (approximately $1.5 million) and a ban on holding any public office during his sentence.

Engonga is being tried alongside several other former senior officials accused of participating in the embezzlement scheme.