Baltasar Ebang Engonga, a senior government official from Equatorial Guinea, has been sentenced to eight years in prison after a lengthy trial that ended unfavorably for the former official. In addition to the prison sentence, Engonga was fined KSh 28 million ($220,000) for his crimes.
Engonga, also known by the nickname “Bello,” went viral in November 2024 after a series of sex tapes involving married women were leaked online, seriously damaging his public reputation. Some of the videos were reportedly filmed in his office at the Ministry of Finance, which fueled a social media frenzy. Online users created songs, dances, and even a humorous spoof virility drug called “Balthazariem,” referencing Engonga’s controversial image.
Why Was Engonga Sentenced?
Engonga was convicted of embezzlement. The court ruling, handed down on Wednesday, August 27, concluded an investigation into his role in diverting state funds intended for professional travel expenses. Allegedly, Engonga and five other senior officials misappropriated large sums of money, amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars a significant amount for the small, oil-rich Central African nation.
According to Hilario Mitogo, the Supreme Court press director of Equatorial Guinea, the Bioko Provincial Tribunal found Engonga guilty of embezzling state funds. In addition to the eight-year prison sentence, he was fined KSh 28 million ($220,000).Engonga previously served as head of the National Financial Investigation Agency. At the time the scandal emerged, he was married. His involvement with multiple married women, combined with his government role, caused widespread shock and anger among the public and officials alike.Tuko.co.ke article on Engonga
The Fall of Baltasar Engonga From Power to Prison
Baltasar Ebang Engonga was once a figure of prestige and influence in Equatorial Guinea’s government. As the head of the National Financial Investigation Agency, he held one of the most sensitive and high-profile positions in the country. Trusted to oversee the management of public funds and to safeguard financial integrity, Engonga’s career seemed destined for greatness. Many colleagues admired his sharp intellect, his dedication to policy, and his ability to navigate the intricate web of politics in a small, oil-rich Central African nation.
However, the very reputation he had built would soon unravel in spectacular fashion. In November 2024, Baltasar Engonga became the subject of a shocking scandal. A series of sex tapes involving him and multiple married women were leaked online, rapidly going viral across social media platform. The videos, some reportedly filmed in his office at the Ministry of Finance, ignited a storm of public outrage. Memes, parodies, and even humorous online campaigns mocked his behavior, turning the once-respected official into a figure of ridicule. A spoof virility drug, jokingly called “Balthazariem,” became a symbol of the scandal that seemed to engulf him entirely.
While the sex tapes dominated headlines and social feeds, they were only the beginning of Engonga’s troubles. A thorough investigation soon revealed far more serious allegations. Alongside five other senior government officials, Engonga had been accused of diverting state funds meant for professional travel. The misappropriated sums were substantial, running into hundreds of thousands of dollars an enormous amount in a country where public resources are closely monitored. These funds, intended for official duties, had been used for personal gain, highlighting the depth of corruption within the upper echelons of the government.
The investigation culminated in a high-profile trial that captured national attention. For months, the courts examined financial records, heard witness testimonies, and assessed evidence of both the embezzlement and Engonga’s personal misconduct. Public interest remained intense, fueled by the combination of financial corruption and the scandalous personal revelations that had previously gone viral.
On Wednesday, August 27, 2025, the Bioko Provincial Tribunal delivered its judgment. The court found Baltasar Engonga guilty of embezzlement, marking the end of his long and turbulent legal battle. The sentence was severe: eight years in prison and a fine of KSh 28 million (approximately $220,000). For a man who had once commanded respect and wielded significant authority, the ruling represented a dramatic reversal of fortune.
The fallout from Engonga’s conviction has been felt across Equatorial Guinea. Citizens expressed relief that a powerful figure had been held accountable, while discussions about ethics, governance, and corruption surged in the media and on social platforms. Engonga’s personal and professional life had been irreparably damaged; the sex tapes, combined with the embezzlement conviction, ensured that his reputation would never recover.
Baltasar Engonga’s story is a stark reminder of the consequences of abusing public office for personal gain. From a respected government official to a convicted felon, his journey reflects the thin line between power and accountability. For many, it serves as both a cautionary tale and a symbol of justice prevailing over privilege.
