The Government of Equatorial Guinea has filed a lawsuit against the former Director General of the country’s National Financial Investigation Agency, Baltasar Engonga, over the sex tape scandal that has drawn widespread condemnation and misconduct allegations.
According to the Minister of Information, Press, and Culture, Jerónimo Osa Osa, the government deemed Engonga’s actions a violation of the “ethical and moral values of the noble Equatorial Guinean society.”
The announcement, made during a public address and reported by the local media platform Ahora EG, detailed the government’s intent to hold Engonga accountable.
In a statement, the government said, “In view of these severe events, which severely undermine family and social coexistence, and taking into account the negative impact this situation is having on the good image of our country, thereby tarnishing its reputation.
“The Government, through the Public Prosecutor’s Office, has started a thorough investigation to establish administrative, civil, and criminal responsibilities.”
The scandal erupted after officials discovered over 400 videos while searching Engonga’s house and office as part of a fraud investigation.
The footage allegedly includes recordings of Engonga engaging in sexual acts with married women, some of whom are said to be high-profile individuals.
Among the women reportedly featured are the wife of the Director General of Police, the sister of the President of Equatorial Guinea, and spouses of more than 20 ministers.
While the government acknowledged that the videos appeared to have been recorded with the consent of those involved, their circulation online has caused public outrage and media uproar.
The Minister of Information stated that legal proceedings would be initiated to hold Engonga and his accomplices accountable. He added that the investigation would explore a range of factors, including privacy violations, potential harm to public health, and damages to the state’s reputation.
In response to the scandal, the government has taken several measures to address the fallout and prevent future incidents.
Surveillance cameras have been installed in courts and ministries to deter “indecent and illicit acts.” Additionally, officials implicated in the scandal have been suspended pending further investigations.
Vice-President Teodoro Mangue also weighed in on the controversy, warning that any official found engaging in sexual acts at work would face sanctions, describing such behavior as a “flagrant violation of the code of conduct.”
This case has sparked significant debate about the balance between personal privacy and public accountability, with the government asserting its commitment to addressing the issue at all levels.
