Equatorial Guinea sacks anti-graft agency boss linked to sex tapes

Equatorial Guinea’s President, Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, has reportedly appointed Zenón Obiang Obiang Avomo as the new Director General of the National Agency for Financial Investigation.

He replaced Baltasar Ebang Engonga following a shocking sex scandal involving public officials.

This was disclosed in a news report on Thursday by a media outlet based in Equatorial Guinea, Ahora EG.

Also, according to another local news platform, Real Equatorial Guinea, the President fired Engonga for “irregularities committed in the exercise of his functions, as well as inappropriate family and social conduct for the performance of public functions, as stated in Decree number 118/2024, dated November 4.”

The leadership change follows Engonga’s arrest amid allegations that he recorded over 400 explicit videos involving the wives of prominent figures in Equatorial Guinea.

The discovery of the videos reportedly occurred during an impromptu search by ANIF officials investigating financial irregularities tied to Engonga, a well-known economist.

“Zenón Obiang Obiang Avomo holds a law degree from the National University of Equatorial Guinea (UNGE). He has previously held various positions, including Magistrate Judge of the Institution of Malabo, Director General of Contract Studies and State Markets at the Ministry of Finance and Budgets, Secretary General of the Ministry of Finance, Economy and Planning, and Secretary General of Mines, Industry and Energy,” Ahora EG reports.

Authorities uncovered over 400 sex tapes involving Engonga and several women, including the wives of high-profile figures such as ministers, police officials, and even the sister of the President.

The tapes, which were allegedly filmed with the women’s consent, were discovered during a raid on Engonga’s office and later leaked online, causing public outrage.

This prompted the government to introduce strict measures, including suspending officials involved in similar misconduct and installing surveillance cameras in government offices to prevent further ethical violations.

PUNCH Online reports that the government ordered the installation of surveillance cameras across all state offices to deter further misconduct and ensure adherence to ethical standards in public service.