Sapphire Egemasi: Tech Rise & Cybercrime Fall
- Sapphire Egemasi, a Nigerian software programmer once celebrated as the "Tech Queen," is facing a potential 20-year prison sentence in the U.S. after being implicated in a large-scale...
- Egemasi was arrested in the Bronx,N.Y., in April 2025, following a federal indictment in 2024.Authorities allege she was part of a network led by Samuel Kwadwo Osei, a...
- Egemasi allegedly used her programming skills to create realistic fake websites that tricked employees into divulging login credentials.
Sapphire Egemasi, the “Tech Queen,” is at the center of a high-stakes cyber fraud case, potentially facing two decades in prison for her role in a scheme that pilfered millions from U.S. institutions. The Nigerian programmer allegedly used her tech skills to create convincing phishing websites, tricking employees into revealing sensitive login details. This facilitated the theft of important funds, with nearly a million dollars funneled from a Kentucky city government.Before her arrest, Egemasi flaunted a luxurious lifestyle. News Directory 3 is closely following the unfolding story. Discover what’s next as authorities anticipate further arrests and the trial commences.
“Tech Queen” Faces Prison in Cyber Fraud Case Targeting US Institutions
Updated June 07, 2025
Sapphire Egemasi, a Nigerian software programmer once celebrated as the “Tech Queen,” is facing a potential 20-year prison sentence in the U.S. after being implicated in a large-scale cyber fraud operation. The cybercrime scheme allegedly defrauded millions of dollars from various U.S. government institutions.
Egemasi was arrested in the Bronx,N.Y., in April 2025, following a federal indictment in 2024.Authorities allege she was part of a network led by Samuel Kwadwo Osei, a Ghanaian national. The group is accused of targeting municipal institutions, including the Kentucky city government, through phishing scams and deceptive websites.
Egemasi allegedly used her programming skills to create realistic fake websites that tricked employees into divulging login credentials. These credentials were then used to divert public funds into accounts controlled by the fraudsters. Court documents show nearly $1 million was transferred from the Kentucky city government to a PNC Bank account, while another $330,000 ended up in a Bank of America account.
Before her arrest, Egemasi portrayed a glamorous lifestyle on social media, showcasing designer clothes, gadgets, and trips to Europe. Prosecutors claim this image was a facade funded by the stolen money. They also allege she exaggerated connections with major brands to justify her wealth.
Egemasi had reportedly lived in Cambridge, U.K., and Ghana before moving to the U.S. She is now in federal custody awaiting trial in Kentucky. If convicted of cyber fraud, she faces imprisonment, fines, and likely deportation.
Authorities say the investigation into the cyber fraud is ongoing,and more arrests are expected.