Equatorial Guinea’s top financial authority, Baltasar Engonga, Director General of the National Financial Investigation Agency, finds himself at the center of a major scandal after his arrest for allegedly recording over 400 explicit tapes involving the wives and close family members of influential figures in the country.

The startling revelation came during a fraud investigation targeting the 54-year-old economist, leading to unannounced searches of his residence and office by officials from the National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF). This search unearthed a trove of CDs and files detailing his clandestine encounters with various women, including the wife of the Director General of Police, the President’s sister, and spouses of several government ministers.

Local media outlet Ahora EG reported that this scandal, which has rocked the nation, began unfolding in October when evidence of Engonga’s extramarital affairs surfaced, exposing an unprecedented breach of public trust. Dubbed “Bello,” Engonga allegedly used his work office for several encounters, with scenes even capturing national symbols, such as the country’s flag, in the background. According to sources, the tapes were recorded consensually, complicating potential legal ramifications and sparking public debate about privacy, consent, and misuse of power.

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Attorney General Nzang Nguema, addressing the viral footage, clarified that while consensual sexual relations are not typically prosecutable, officials may face disciplinary action under public ethics laws. However, he emphasized the potential health risks posed by such unprotected encounters, urging caution and reiterating the need for victims of coercion or assault to report incidents. “The possibility of disease transmission only amplifies the seriousness of this matter,” Nguema noted, underscoring the broader implications for public health.

In a swift response, Vice President Nguema Mangue declared the immediate suspension of all officials involved in sexual misconduct within government premises, aligning with the country’s “zero tolerance” stance on behavior that threatens the integrity of public service. “Ethics and respect are fundamental in our administration,” Mangue stated in a social media post, underscoring that actions eroding public trust would not be tolerated.

As explicit videos featuring Engonga circulate on social media, public outrage continues to mount, pressuring the government to uphold accountability and maintain confidence in the nation’s leadership.