A court in Equatorial Guinea has sentenced Baltasar Ebang Engonga, a high-ranking official, to eight years in prison on charges of embezzlement. Engonga, who previously led the country’s national financial investigation agency, was found guilty of misappropriating large sums of money intended for work-related travel. Instead of using these funds for their designated purpose, he redirected them for his personal gain, according to Hilario Mitogo, the Supreme Court’s press director.

Engonga, also known by his nickname “Bello,” was among six senior government officials implicated in the case, which involved the embezzlement of hundreds of thousands of dollars in a nation heavily dependent on oil revenue. The court proceedings took place in the Bioko province, where the tribunal delivered both the prison sentence and an additional fine of $220,000.

Beyond the corruption scandal, Engonga attracted widespread public and media attention due to his involvement in a separate controversy. While awaiting trial, he became notorious after several sex tapes surfaced online. The videos, which featured Engonga with the wives of other officials, were allegedly recorded in his office at the finance ministry. These explicit clips went viral on social media, sparking widespread public reaction and ridicule.

The scandal also gave rise to a wave of internet parodies, including humorous songs, dances, and a mock male enhancement product jokingly named “Balthazariem.” This viral response, while adding a layer of humiliation to the corruption case, also drew international attention to the already serious charges Engonga was facing.