Nigerian programmer and self-styled “tech queen” Sapphire Egemasi has been arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in connection with a high-profile fraud scheme that targeted multiple U.S. government agencies.
The arrest took place on April 10, 2025, in Bronx, New York, following an extensive investigation led by U.S. federal authorities.
According to court documents, Egemasi and her alleged co-conspirators, including Samuel Kwadwo Osei, believed to be the leader of the syndicate, face multiple charges of internet fraud and money laundering. The charges stem from a federal grand jury indictment filed in 2024, which outlined a series of coordinated cybercrimes committed between September 2021 and February 2023.
Investigators allege that Egemasi played a pivotal role in the operation, acting as the syndicate’s technical lead. Her primary responsibility was reportedly to design spoof websites that mimicked official U.S. government domains. These websites were used to harvest sensitive login credentials, enabling the unauthorized transfer of funds from government accounts.
One major target was the city of Kentucky, which reportedly lost millions of dollars in the scheme. Evidence presented by prosecutors includes text message exchanges showing that in August 2022, the group redirected $965,000 into a PNC Bank account. In another incident, $330,000 was transferred into a Bank of America account.
Before her arrest, Egemasi was based in Cambridge, United Kingdom, though authorities believe she had previously resided in Ghana, where she allegedly forged connections with her Ghanaian accomplices. Her polished digital persona, particularly on LinkedIn, showcased an impressive résumé featuring supposed internships with high-profile companies like British Petroleum, H&M, and Zara—claims that authorities now say were part of a strategy to legitimize her ill-gotten wealth.
Egemasi became known online for flaunting a luxurious lifestyle, frequently sharing photos from lavish trips to Greece and Portugal. U.S. prosecutors argue that these vacations and her expensive taste were funded by proceeds from the fraud scheme.
The accused fraudsters are currently in federal custody in Lexington, Kentucky, awaiting trial. If convicted, Egemasi and her co-defendants face up to 20 years in prison, substantial fines, and deportation to their respective home countries after serving their sentences.
Authorities have emphasized the international scope and sophistication of the scheme, with cybercrime increasingly transcending borders. Law enforcement continues to warn individuals and institutions to remain vigilant against such deceptive cyber tactics, particularly those involving phishing websites and false representations of trusted institutions.
The case highlights growing concerns about the misuse of technology by skilled individuals to exploit financial systems and erode public trust in government operations. The trial is expected to begin later this year, with additional charges possible as investigations continue.
