PROSECUTION SEEKS 18-YEAR SENTENCE FOR FORMER EQUATORIAL GUINEA TAX DIRECTOR
The National Prosecutor’s Office of Equatorial Guinea has requested an 18-year prison sentence for Baltasar Ebang Engonga, the former head of the General Directorate of Insurance and Reinsurance (DGAR), in connection with a high-profile corruption trial currently underway in Malabo.
Known by the nickname “Bello,” Ebang Engonga was at the helm of DGAR from 2015 to 2020 and is facing charges that include embezzlement, illicit enrichment, and abuse of office.
The prosecution’s request includes a breakdown of penalties: 8 years for embezzlement, 4 years and 5 months for illicit enrichment, and 6 years plus one day for abuse of duty. Additionally, he faces a financial penalty exceeding 910 million CFA francs and will be barred from holding any public office during his imprisonment.
According to the Public Ministry, Ebang Engonga allegedly devised a scheme to divert public funds for personal benefit with assistance from several senior officials. Others charged alongside him include Carmelo Julio Matogo Ndong, Ireneo Mangue Monsuy Afana, and Florentina Iganga Iñandji, all facing similar allegations related to financial crimes.
This case has attracted considerable attention not only due to the scale of the alleged embezzlement but also because of controversial videos that emerged during the investigation.
By late 2024, authorities reportedly recovered explicit footage from Ebang Engonga’s electronic devices that purportedly shows him engaging in inappropriate conduct within his office involving individuals linked to government officials.
The release of these videos incited public outrage and raised alarm over misconduct among high-ranking government personnel.
Ebang Engonga hails from a prominent political family—being the son of Baltasar Engonga Edjo’o, who currently serves as president of CEMAC, and nephew to President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo—making him a significant figure in this trial. His case symbolizes a crucial moment for Equatorial Guinea to confront corruption challenges and enhance accountability within its public sector.
The trial began on Monday and is expected to last three days, with the defense team preparing to present their arguments next. Ebang Engonga’s lawyers have described the charges as politically motivated while casting doubt on the credibility of the evidence provided. A court verdict is anticipated in the coming days.
