Baltasar Engonga, former head of Equatorial Guinea’s anti-corruption agency, has gone on trial facing multiple charges of corruption, embezzlement, and abuse of power.

Engonga, who also previously served as Director General of Insurance and Reinsurance from 2015 to 2020, is accused of orchestrating a large-scale scheme to divert public funds for personal gain. He is on trial alongside several other former senior officials.

During court proceedings on Monday, prosecutors alleged that Engonga used his position to siphon off state resources through a web of illicit transactions. The national prosecutor has recommended severe penalties:

8 years in prison for embezzlement of public funds
4 years and 5 months for unlawful enrichment
6 years and 1 day for abuse of authority

In addition to potential prison time, prosecutors are seeking a fine of over 910 million CFA francs (approx. $1.5 million) and a ban on Engonga holding public office for the duration of his sentence.

The 54-year-old economist has been in custody since September 2024, following the launch of a high-profile corruption probe.

Engonga also drew international attention last year when over 400 explicit videos were leaked, reportedly seized from his home and office.

The videos allegedly feature him in intimate encounters with several prominent women—including the wife of his brother, a cousin, the President’s sister, the wife of the police chief, and spouses of numerous government ministers.