Nigerian ‘Tech Queen’ Arrested by FBI in $1.3M U.S. Phishing Scam

 


*Sapphire Egemasi, a 28-year-old Nigerian software developer who once flaunted a lavish lifestyle online, is now in U.S. custody, accused of orchestrating a multimillion-dollar cyberfraud scheme targeting American government agencies.*

The Arrest and Charges

Egemasi was apprehended by the FBI in April 2025 in the Bronx, New York, following a 2024 federal indictment. Prosecutors allege she was a key player in an international cybercrime ring led by Ghanaian national Samuel Kwadwo Osei, which used phishing scams and fake government websites to steal over $1.3 million from U.S. city administrations.

How the Scheme Worked

Between 2021 and 2023, the syndicate created convincing replicas of official U.S. government portals, tricking municipal employees into entering sensitive login details. These credentials were then used to siphon funds into fraudulent accounts.

Egemasi’s technical expertise was allegedly crucial—she developed the spoofed websites and helped launder stolen money through complex wire transfers. In one case, $965,000 was diverted from Kentucky’s government to a PNC Bank account. Another transfer funneled $330,000 into Bank of America, disguised as legitimate payments.

 

The Double Life of a ‘Tech Queen’

Before her arrest, Egemasi cultivated an image of a successful, globe-trotting tech professional. She claimed past internships at BP, H&M, and Zara—claims prosecutors say are unverified. Her Instagram and LinkedIn profiles showcased luxury travel, high-end fashion, and gadgets, painting a picture of a young African woman excelling in the corporate world.

Authorities allege this glamorous facade masked her involvement in fraud, with her lavish lifestyle funded by stolen taxpayer money.


Legal Consequences and Ongoing Investigation

Egemasi and her co-conspirators now face trial in Lexington, Kentucky. If convicted, she could receive up to 20 years in prison, hefty fines, and deportation after serving her sentence.

The case highlights the FBI’s intensified crackdown on transnational cybercrime, particularly schemes exploiting public institutions. Prosecutors suggest more arrests may follow as the investigation unfolds.

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