The high-profile corruption trial of Baltasar Engonga, a former top government official and viral media personality, reached a pivotal moment this week in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea. After spending ten months in detention at the notorious Black Beach Prison since September 2024, Engonga was sentenced to a combined 18 years in prison on July 2, 2025, following charges of embezzlement, unlawful enrichment, and abuse of power.
Timeline and Background
Engonga, who served as Director-General of the National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF) and previously headed the Directorate General of Insurance and Reinsurance (DGAR) from 2015 to 2020, was arrested in late 2024 amid a sweeping crackdown on corruption among senior officials. Prosecutors allege that during his tenure, Engonga orchestrated a sophisticated scheme to siphon public funds for personal gain.
The trial formally began on June 30, 2025, and was scheduled to last three days. During the proceedings, the prosecution detailed the alleged financial misconduct, which included diverting millions of dollars from state coffers. The charges carried severe penalties, with prosecutors requesting:
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8 years for embezzlement
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4 years and 5 months for unlawful enrichment
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6 years and 1 day for abuse of power
In addition to imprisonment, Engonga faces a fine exceeding 910 million CFA francs (approximately $1.5 million USD) and a prohibition from holding any public office during his sentence.
Women and Other Officials Involved
Engonga is one of seven former senior officials implicated in this expansive corruption probe. Among those facing charges are Carmelo Julio Matogo Ndong, Ireneo Mangue Monsuy Afana, and notably, Florentina Iganga Iñandji, a female official also accused of participating in the misappropriation of public funds. The involvement of multiple high-ranking figures underscores the scale of the alleged network.
Trial Details and Defense
Throughout the trial, Engonga’s defense team vehemently denied all allegations, branding the charges as politically motivated and questioning the credibility of the prosecution’s evidence. They argued that the case was an attempt to tarnish his reputation and undermine his influence.
The court proceedings featured detailed presentations from both sides, with prosecutors laying out extensive documentation and witness testimonies to support their claims. The defense countered with challenges to the evidence and highlighted procedural issues.
Verdict and Implications
The sentencing marks a significant moment in Equatorial Guinea’s ongoing efforts to combat corruption at the highest levels. The court’s verdict, expected within days after the trial’s conclusion, signals a tough stance on financial crimes and serves as a warning to other officials.
Engonga’s case has drawn widespread attention both domestically and internationally, not only due to his public profile but also because of the broader implications for governance and transparency in the region.
