The government of Equatorial Guinea has launched a lawsuit against Baltazar Engonga, the former Director General of the country’s National Financial Investigation Agency, alleging malfeasance in connection with a sex tape scandal.
The government declared that the former anti-graft agency chief’s acts “violate the ethical and moral values of noble Equatorial Guinean society.”
The government announced this over the weekend via Jerónimo Osa Osa, Minister of Information, Press, and Culture.
In a public address broadcast by local media platform Ahora EG, the Minister of Information said that the Equatorial Guinean Government, through the State Attorney General’s Office, would launch a thorough investigation into the actions of Baltasar Ebang Engonga.
Ahora EG reported, “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.”
“The government reacted on Friday in an official statement, condemning these acts as “violations of the ethical and moral values of noble Equatorial Guinean society.”
The government has consequently disclosed the initiation of legal proceedings against Engonga and his accomplices through the public prosecutor’s office, aiming to hold them accountable before the law.
“In light of these serious events, which severely undermine family and social cohesion, and considering the negative impact that this situation has on the good image of our country, tarnishing its reputation, the government, through the Public Prosecutor’s Office, has commenced a thorough investigation to establish responsibilities at the administrative, civil, and criminal levels, given the possibility of a public health impact,” reported the government spokesperson.
The government also stated that it would consider various parameters, including the distinction between personal and private spheres, prior consent (explicit or implicit), violations of privacy, damage to individuals’ honour and prestige, and the rights of those harmed by these events, including the state itself.
Earlier, Chronicle NG reported that Engonga was arrested for allegedly recording over 400 sex tapes involving the wives of notable individuals in the country.
The issue surfaced during a fraud probe into the 54-year-old economist, prompting ANIF officers to conduct an unplanned search of his home and workplace, where they uncovered multiple CDs revealing his relationship with various married women.
The tapes apparently show contacts with high-profile people such as his brother’s wife, his cousin, the sister of Equatorial Guinea’s President, the wife of the Director General of Police, and the wives of around 20 ministers, among others.
The tape, located in his personal office, is alleged to have been recorded with his permission and has subsequently leaked online, sparking a public outcry.
The tape, located in his personal office, is alleged to have been recorded with his permission and has subsequently leaked online, sparking a public outcry.
In response, the government mandated the installation of surveillance cameras in courts and ministries to prevent “indecent and illicit acts.”
The Equatorial Guinea Press and Information Office also announced the suspension of officials engaged in the controversy in a statement published on the government’s website on Tuesday.
Vice President Teodoro Mangue declared on Tuesday that any official discovered participating in sexual actions at work would face disciplinary action because it was a “flagrant violation of the code of conduct.”
