Notorious Cybercrime Mastermind, Sapphire Egemasi, Accomplices Face Decades Behind Bars
A high-profile arrest has shaken the cybersecurity world as Nigerian programmer, Sapphire Egemasi, also known as the “tech queen,” has been taken into custody by the FBI.
Egemasi, along with her accomplices, including Samuel Kwadwo Osei, allegedly orchestrated a large-scale scam targeting US government agencies, resulting in the theft of millions of dollars.
The suspects were apprehended on April 10, 2025, in Bronx, New York, following a lengthy investigation and federal grand jury indictment.
According to court records, the group’s illicit activities spanned from September 2021 to February 2023, with Egemasi playing a crucial role in designing fake websites to deceive victims and steal sensitive login information.
It is believed that Egemasi, who previously resided in Cambridge, United Kingdom, collaborated with her Ghanaian co-conspirators, whom she met during her time in West Africa.
Her expertise in technology made her a key player in the syndicate, which operated in both the US and Nigeria. Egemasi allegedly helped the group launder stolen funds through wire transfers, redirecting the money to accounts under their control.
Investigations uncovered a trail of text messages revealing the group’s illicit transactions, including the diversion of $965,000 from the city of Kentucky to a PNC Bank account in August 2022. Another $330,000 was rerouted to a Bank of America account during the same period.
To mask her illicit income, Egemasi claimed to have held various internships at prominent companies, including British Petroleum, H&M, and Zara.
However, her extravagant lifestyle, showcased on social media platforms like LinkedIn, raised suspicions. Her posts often featured luxurious trips to destinations such as Greece and Portugal.
Egemasi and her co-conspirators, including Samuel Kwadwo Osei, are currently being held in custody in Lexington, Kentucky, awaiting trial.
If convicted, they face up to 20 years in prison, substantial fines, and potential deportation to their respective countries upon completion of their sentences. The case serves as a stark reminder of the severity of cybercrime and the consequences of such illicit activities.
