Baltasar Ebang Engonga Alú, the Director-General of Equatorial Guinea’s National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF), has recently become the subject of a scandal that has captivated the nation. Known for his prominent role in steering financial oversight, Ebang’s reputation has taken a severe hit amid allegations of his involvement in a sex scandal that has sent shockwaves through Equatorial Guinea. Once a figure associated with national financial integrity, Ebang now faces intense scrutiny as the scandal unfolds, leaving the public and officials grappling with the potential fallout on both his career and ANIF’s standing in the country.
Reports have surfaced that Baltasar Ebang, Director-General of Equatorial Guinea’s National Financial Investigation Agency, has been caught on tape in compromising situations with multiple women, including close relatives and prominent figures. Allegations claim that Ebang was filmed engaging in affairs with his own brother’s wife, his cousin, and even the sister of the President, a revelation that has stirred the nation. As details emerge, the scandal intensifies, casting a shadow over Ebang’s career and sparking widespread public shock, given the prominent connections of those involved.
Baltasar Ebang Engonga, widely recognized as “Bello,” stands as a prominent figure in Equatorial Guinea. Born on March 15, 1970, in the nation’s capital of Malabo, Bello has carved a significant career in economics and finance. Now 54, he graduated from the University of Malabo with a degree in economics, a foundation that propelled him into influential roles in the country’s financial sector. Known for his strategic insights, he has become a key player in Equatorial Guinea’s financial landscape, where his decisions have shaped national policy and economic direction.
Here are things to know about Equatorial Guinea’s ANIF boss, Baltasar Ebang:
Allegations of Financial Misconduct and Embezzlement
Beyond allegations of financial misconduct and embezzlement, Engonga Alú’s reputation has been further tarnished by revelations of a sex scandal involving high-profile women connected to influential figures in Equatorial Guinea.
Scandal Unveiled: More than 400 Videos Found
The scandal erupted when investigators reportedly uncovered over 300 videos on his personal computer, showing encounters with various women, some of whom are married and closely linked to the country’s leadership.
The footage, discovered in his office, was reportedly recorded with consent but has since leaked online, sparking a public and media frenzy and drawing swift condemnation from government officials.
Accountability in Public Office
Engonga Alú’s personal and professional conduct has now become a focal point in Equatorial Guinea’s broader push for accountability among public officials.
Role at ANIF and Family Background
Baltasar Ebang Engonga Alú leads the National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF) in Equatorial Guinea, overseeing financial investigations and combating corruption to uphold financial transparency in the country. He is married and a father of six children.
Accusations of Large-Scale Financial Embezzlement
Alongside other high-ranking officials, Engonga Alú faces allegations of large-scale financial misconduct. He was accused of involvement in a scheme that reportedly misappropriated over 1.2 billion Central African CFA francs in public funds.
Preventive Detention and Asset Freezes
As part of the ongoing investigation, Engonga Alú and other officials are under preventive detention. Several of his assets have been frozen as authorities work to uncover the full extent of the alleged embezzlement.
Sex Scandal and High-Profile Connections
Engonga Alú has also drawn attention to personal controversies involving high-profile women. Local media sources, such as Ahora EG and Asonga TV, report that he has been linked to relationships with individuals close to the country’s leadership, including his brother’s wife, a cousin, and a sister of the President of Equatorial Guinea.
Media Backlash Following Leaked Videos
The controversy intensified when investigators reportedly discovered over 300 videos on Engonga Alú’s personal computer, allegedly showing encounters with multiple women, some of whom are married. These videos, found in his office, were said to be recorded with consent but have since leaked online, sparking a widespread media backlash. Many have called for him to be jailed.
From Esteemed Official to Scandalised Figure
Before the recent controversies, Engonga Alú was widely regarded for his role in leading ANIF and his contributions to enhancing financial oversight in Equatorial Guinea. Now, his position as a leader in the country’s fight against corruption is under intense scrutiny, with his personal and professional life becoming central to discussions on integrity in public service.
However, Vice President Teodoro Nguema, has publicly addressed the scandal, condemning the inappropriate conduct in government offices.
In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), he warned against sexual relationships in administrative workplaces, stating, “Given the abuse that has been shown on social media in Equatorial Guinea in recent days…sexual relations in offices are prohibited. Control mechanisms are already in place, and anyone who violates this rule again will be subject to disciplinary proceedings for indecent conduct and will be dismissed from their job.”
