Baltasar Engonga, the former Director General of Equatorial Guinea’s National Financial Investigation Agency, is facing up to 18 years in prison as his high-profile corruption trial unfolds at the Malabo court.

Detained since September 2024 at the infamous Black Beach Prison, Engonga is charged with embezzlement of public funds, illicit enrichment, and abuse of power during his tenure as head of the Directorate General of Insurance and Reinsurance from 2015 to 2020.

According to Le Bled Parle, prosecutors claim Engonga masterminded a sophisticated financial scheme to divert state funds for personal use. On Monday, the national prosecutor recommended sentences of eight years for embezzlement, four years and five months for unlawful enrichment, and six years and one day for abuse of office. A fine of over 910 million CFA francs (approximately $1.5 million) and a ban from public office were also proposed.

In a shocking development, investigators reportedly discovered over 400 sex tapes in Engonga’s office and residence—recordings said to involve high-profile women, including spouses of ministers, top security officials, and relatives of senior government figures. The tapes, allegedly made with consent, were stored on CDs and hard drives. Several have since leaked online, fueling public uproar.

Engonga is being tried alongside six other former senior officials, including Carmelo Julio Matogo Ndong and Florentina Iganga Iñandji, all accused of participating in a broad network of state fund misappropriation.

The trial continues this week as the defense prepares to present its case.