Equatorial Guinea to Prosecute Baltasar Engonga Over Sex Tape Scandal

The Government of Equatorial Guinea plans to prosecute Baltasar Engonga, former Director General of the National Agency for Financial Investigation, following a sex tape scandal.

"This decision comes after several videos went viral in which Ebang Engonga is seen having sexual relations with multiple women, some of whom are married," stated a government spokesperson.

The announcement was made by Minister of Information, Press, and Culture, Jerónimo Osa Osa, who condemned the former official's actions as a breach of the "ethical and moral values of noble Equatorial Guinean society.

The government has initiated a thorough investigation into Engonga’s actions through the State Attorney General’s Office, aiming to determine responsibilities across administrative, civil, and criminal levels due to potential public health implications.

"In light of these serious events, which severely undermine family and social cohesion... the government, through the Public Prosecutor’s Office, has commenced a thorough investigation," added the government representative.

This investigation will cover aspects such as consent, privacy violations, and damage to individuals’ honor.

Last week, explicit videos showing Engonga with over 40 different women—including wives of prominent officials, relatives, and staff—circulated widely on social media, with footage reportedly shot at various locations, including his office in the finance ministry.

In response, President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo replaced Engonga with Zenón Obiang Obiang Avomo, a seasoned official with a background in law and public administration.

Engonga’s dismissal was formalized in a decree citing "irregularities committed in the exercise of his functions."

To curb the spread of the scandal, the government has restricted citizens from downloading and sharing multimedia files via mobile data on WhatsApp. Telecommunications companies have been ordered to limit access to such content.

The country’s Vice President for Defense and Security, Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, stated that immediate action was necessary to prevent the destruction of families.