A provincial court in Equatorial Guinea has sentenced former senior government official, Baltasar Ebang Engonga, to eight years in prison for embezzlement, bringing to a close a high-profile case that has gripped the nation for months. Engonga, who previously headed the country’s national financial investigation agency, was found guilty of diverting public funds allocated as professional travel expenses for personal use. The court also imposed a fine of $220,000, according to the Supreme Court’s press director, Hilario Mitogo.
Engonga, widely known by his nickname “Bello,” faced trial alongside five other top officials accused of misappropriating hundreds of thousands of dollars in state funds. The oil-rich central African nation has long struggled with allegations of corruption in public office, and the conviction is seen as a rare step toward accountability at the highest levels of government.
The disgraced official became internationally infamous last November when leaked sex tapes involving him and the wives of fellow government officials surfaced on social media. Several of the clips, some allegedly filmed inside his office at the Ministry of Finance, sparked outrage and ridicule both at home and abroad. The scandal not only tarnished his personal image but also intensified scrutiny of governance and ethics within the country’s political elite.
The tapes inspired a wave of parodies and online commentary, including satirical songs, dances, and even a mock virility drug dubbed “Balthazariem.” Despite the public ridicule, Engonga remained in detention while awaiting trial for financial crimes, a case that has now culminated in his conviction and sentencing.
Observers say the ruling could signal an effort by authorities to project seriousness in tackling corruption. However, critics argue that systemic issues remain deeply entrenched in Equatorial Guinea’s political system, and it remains unclear whether the verdict against Engonga will mark a turning point or serve as an isolated case.
