Equatorial Guinea Takes Legal Action Against Ex-Anti-Graft Chief Baltasar Engonga Over Sex Tape Scandal
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The Government of Equatorial Guinea has filed a lawsuit against Baltasar Engonga, the former Director General of the country’s National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF), over his alleged involvement in a sex tape scandal that has caused public outrage. The government accuses Engonga of actions that “violate the ethical and moral values of noble Equatorial Guinean society.”
The announcement was made by the Minister of Information, Press, and Culture, Jerónimo Osa Osa, who revealed over the weekend that the government, through the State Attorney General’s Office, would launch a thorough investigation into Engonga’s conduct. The investigation is centered on a series of videos that recently went viral, in which Engonga is seen engaging in sexual acts with multiple women, some of whom are married to high-profile figures in the country.
In an official statement, the government condemned the actions as a breach of societal norms, emphasizing that such behavior undermines family and social cohesion. The government also expressed concern over the potential negative impact on the country’s reputation, both domestically and internationally, describing the situation as damaging to Equatorial Guinea’s public image.
As a result, legal proceedings have been initiated through the Public Prosecutor’s Office, targeting Engonga and his alleged accomplices. The investigation will explore administrative, civil, and criminal responsibilities, including any potential public health risks stemming from the scandal. The government also indicated it would assess several legal parameters, including violations of privacy, consent (explicit or implied), damage to individuals’ honor, and the broader societal consequences of the events.
The controversy first emerged during a fraud investigation involving Engonga, which led to a surprise search of his home and office by ANIF officials. During the search, authorities uncovered over 400 explicit videos, some of which reportedly feature Engonga engaging in sexual relations with the wives of prominent individuals, including his brother’s wife, his cousin, the sister of the President of Equatorial Guinea, and the spouses of various government ministers. The videos, which were recorded with the women’s consent, were discovered on CDs in Engonga’s personal office. The footage has since been leaked online, fueling public outrage.
In response to the scandal, the government has ordered the installation of surveillance cameras in courts and ministries as part of an effort to prevent similar incidents and curb “indecent and illicit acts.” Officials implicated in the scandal have been suspended, with Vice-President Teodoro Mangue warning that any public official found engaging in sexual acts while at work will face severe sanctions, as it constitutes a “flagrant violation of the code of conduct.”
This legal and moral crisis has stirred significant debate in Equatorial Guinea, with the government taking strong action to address the situation and protect its societal values. The ongoing investigation and legal proceedings will seek to determine the full extent of Engonga’s actions and hold all responsible parties accountable.
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