Nigerian software programmer and self-styled “tech queen” Sapphire Egemasi is facing up to 20 years in a US federal prison. This follows her arrest by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI. It is alleged she had a role in a sprawling international fraud network that syphoned millions from U.S. government institutions.
The arrest, which took place around April 10 in the Bronx, New York, stems from a 2024 federal grand jury indictment. According to Peoples Gazette, Egemasi and multiple co-conspirators were charged with internet fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering. This was carried out in a sophisticated scheme that operated from September 2021 to February 2023.
High-Tech Deception: The Anatomy of a Cyber Heist
Federal court documents identify Egemasi as a central figure in a cybercrime ring allegedly led by Ghanaian national Samuel Kwadwo Osei. The group also employed phishing schemes and counterfeit websites to deceive employees of U.S. municipal governments into revealing sensitive login credentials.
“Sapphire Egemasi used her technical expertise to design and maintain fraudulent websites that closely mimicked official U.S. government portals,” prosecutors stated. “These sites lured victims into surrendering credentials, which the syndicate then used to transfer public funds into controlled bank accounts.”
In one instance, the group diverted $965,000 from the city of Kentucky into a fraudulent PNC Bank account in August 2022. In another case, $330,000 was routed through a Bank of America account. The fraudulent transfers were made to appear legitimate, complicating detection efforts by both the government and financial institutions.
Luxury, Lies, and LinkedIn Fame
Before her arrest, the self-styled tech queen curated an influential online persona. Her Instagram feed was filled with images of designer clothing, the latest tech gadgets, and lavish trips to destinations like Greece, Portugal, and France. Meanwhile, on LinkedIn, she claimed affiliations with companies like BP, H&M, and Zara—credentials that authorities now say were fabricated.
“She projected the image of a high-flying tech entrepreneur, complete with luxury aesthetics and a resume that seemed too good to be true,” said a source close to the investigation. “It was all part of the cover.”
Many young African professionals also viewed Egemasi as a rising star in the tech world. Her story was aspirational—until the FBI revealed what lay beneath the surface.
A Global Web of Crime
Authorities believe Egemasi previously resided in Cambridge, United Kingdom, and had travelled extensively across Europe and West Africa. It was in Ghana, investigators allege, that she first connected with other members of the fraud ring. From there, she assumed the role of the group’s lead technical strategist, remotely executing complex parts of the operation.
“Egemasi was not a fringe player,” the indictment states. “She was integral to the design, implementation, and concealment of the fraud.”
Federal prosecutors also allege she assisted in laundering the stolen money via wire transfers and shell accounts, helping obfuscate the origin of illicit funds.
Facing Justice in the U.S.
The ‘tech queen’ and her co-defendants—many of them Ghanaian nationals—are currently in federal custody, awaiting trial in Lexington, Kentucky. Each faces up to 20 years in prison, substantial financial penalties, and possible deportation upon completion of their sentences.
The case further highlights the growing concerns about transnational cybercrime and the vulnerability of public sector digital infrastructure. It also serves as a cautionary tale about the risks of idolizing digital personas.
“As this case shows, not everything online is as it seems,” said one FBI spokesperson. “Behind the glamor and tech talk was a highly organized criminal enterprise.”
