The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has arrested Nigerian software engineer and social media personality Sapphire Egemasi, widely known online as the “Tech-Queen,” in connection with an elaborate cyber fraud scheme that targeted U.S. government institutions.
Egemasi, 28, was taken into custody in the Bronx on April 10, 2025, alongside several co-conspirators. According to a federal indictment unsealed in Kentucky, the suspects are accused of orchestrating a sophisticated phishing operation between September 2021 and February 2023, which defrauded U.S. municipalities of over $1.3 million.
Federal prosecutors allege that the group created spoofed websites designed to mimic official U.S. government portals. These fake domains were used to trick public employees into providing login credentials, allowing the syndicate to redirect payments intended for legitimate purposes into fraudulent bank accounts.
In August 2022, $965,000 intended for a city government in Kentucky was rerouted to an account at PNC Bank.
A second transfer of $330,000 was funneled into a Bank of America account that same month.
The FBI claims that Egemasi played a “central technical role” in building the fake platforms and managing the flow of stolen funds. The operation reportedly involved laundering money through a network of shell companies, cryptocurrency wallets, and international transfers.
Egemasi cultivated a lavish online persona, branding herself as a rising tech mogul. Her social media accounts showcased designer fashion, luxury travel, and claims of having interned at major global firms like BP, H&M, and Zara. However, investigators say those claims remain unverified and allege that her online presence was used to lend credibility to her criminal activities.
Federal authorities believe her digital image helped her recruit collaborators and mask the true nature of her income. “This case is a stark reminder that online appearances can be deeply misleading,” an FBI spokesperson said.
Egemasi has been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering, crimes that carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison, along with financial penalties and potential deportation. She is currently being held in a federal detention facility in Lexington, Kentucky, pending trial.
Her co-defendant, Samuel Kwadwo Osei, a Ghanaian national believed to be the group’s ringleader, was also arrested and faces similar charges.
The U.S. Department of Justice is continuing to investigate the syndicate, and additional arrests may follow as the case unfolds.
Egemasi has pleaded not guilty and is expected to appear in court later this summer. Her legal team maintains that she is innocent and intends to challenge the charges.
Meanwhile, the FBI has issued new guidance urging government agencies to increase cybersecurity measures and verify payment destinations before processing large financial transfers.
