Nigerian tech expert Sapphire Egemasi, widely known online as a “tech queen,” has been arrested by the FBI for allegedly participating in a sophisticated fraud scheme that targeted U.S. government agencies. She faces charges that could earn her over 20 years in prison.
Egemasi was apprehended in April 2025 in the Bronx, New York, alongside other suspects, including Ghanaian national Samuel Kwadwo Osei, said to be the mastermind of the syndicate. The group faces federal charges of internet fraud and money laundering for crimes allegedly committed between September 2021 and February 2023.
According to court documents, Egemasi played a key role in designing fake U.S. government websites used to harvest login credentials from officials. These credentials were then exploited to redirect public funds into accounts controlled by the syndicate.
Federal investigators allege that the group successfully diverted at least \$965,000 and \$330,000 from government accounts in Kentucky, funnelling the money through institutions like PNC Bank and Bank of America. Authorities say the operation displayed a high level of planning and digital expertise.
Egemasi, who previously resided in Cambridge, UK, reportedly met her co-conspirators in Ghana before becoming the syndicate’s lead tech specialist. She operated across multiple countries, including Nigeria and the U.S., masking her activities under the guise of a thriving tech career.
To legitimize her income and boost her online profile, Egemasi allegedly claimed to have interned with companies such as BP, H\&M, and Zara. Her social media pages featured images of luxury travel across Europe, including destinations like Greece and Portugal, portraying a life of success and innovation.
She and her co-defendants are currently in federal custody in Lexington, Kentucky, awaiting trial. If convicted, they face long prison terms, hefty financial penalties, and potential deportation. Investigations into the full extent of the fraud network are still ongoing.
