Equatorial Guinea’s Baltasar Engonga Faces Up to 18 Years in Jail

The former head of Equatorial Guinea’s financial crime agency is facing up to 18 years in prison over allegations of embezzlement and abuse of power.

Baltasar Engonga, the ex-Director General of the National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF), appeared in court in Malabo this week, nearly a year after his arrest in September 2024. Prosecutors allege he led a sophisticated scheme to divert public funds during his time as head of the Directorate General of Insurance and Reinsurance from 2015 to 2020.

The 54-year-old economist is accused of embezzling state funds, illicit enrichment, and abuse of office. The national prosecutor has recommended prison terms totalling 18 years, alongside a fine of 910 million CFA francs (approximately \$1.5m) and a ban on holding public office.

Engonga is one of several senior officials on trial in what authorities say is a widespread corruption case. Among the others facing prosecution are Carmelo Julio Matogo Ndong, Ireneo Mangue Monsuy Afana, and Florentina Iganga Iñandji.

The trial, expected to last three days, has drawn significant public interest in part due to a separate scandal surrounding the discovery of over 400 explicit videos found in Mr Engonga’s home and office. While unrelated to the charges in court, the recordings reportedly involving high-profile figures have added to the political fallout.