Balthazar Egonga, the former Director-General of Equatorial Guinea’s National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF), has been handed an 18-year prison sentence for embezzling public funds. Investigations revealed he personally stole 910 million Francs out of the misappropriated 1 billion Francs.

The ruling sends a strong message against corruption, reinforcing that abuse of public office carries severe consequences. Reports indicate Egonga squandered the stolen wealth on a lavish lifestyle, including extravagant spending on women. His downfall underscores the critical need for accountability in handling state resources.

Egonga’s prosecution proves that no individual is immune to justice. Prior to his sentencing, he was dismissed as the country’s anti-corruption chief and detained at Malabo’s notorious Black Beach Prison following his arrest in a major scandal.

The case gained further notoriety when investigators uncovered over 400 explicit videos featuring Egonga and the wives of high-profile figures. These recordings emerged during a fraud probe, prompting raids on his home and office by ANIF officials.