🔑 Key Takeaways:
- Nigerian tech influencer Sapphire Egemasi arrested by FBI for multi-million dollar fraud.
- Allegedly designed spoof websites to steal credentials from U.S. government agencies.
- Accused of rerouting over $1.2 million into fraudulent accounts.
- Faces up to 20 years in prison and possible deportation upon conviction.
The Full Gist
Sapphire Egemasi, a Nigerian tech influencer known for her glamorous online presence, has been arrested by the FBI for her alleged role in a multi-million dollar cyber fraud targeting U.S. government agencies. Egemasi, who operated a Devpost account and claimed to have held internships at major multinational companies, was arrested in April in Bronx, New York, alongside other co-conspirators, including Samuel Kwadwo Osei, believed to be the leader of the syndicate.
The arrest followed a federal grand jury indictment filed in 2024, charging the suspects with multiple counts of internet fraud and money laundering for crimes said to have occurred between September 2021 and February 2023.
Egemasi’s role in the syndicate allegedly involved designing spoof websites impersonating official U.S. government domains to steal login credentials and facilitate the transfer of stolen funds.
Investigators reported that the syndicate rerouted $965,000 stolen from Kentucky into a PNC Bank account in August 2022, and in a separate transaction around the same time, $330,000 was funneled into a Bank of America account. Prior to her arrest, Egemasi was reportedly based in Cambridge, United Kingdom, although authorities believe she previously lived in Ghana, where she likely established ties with her co-conspirators.
Egemasi and her co-accused are currently in federal custody and are being held pending trial in Lexington, Kentucky. If convicted, she faces up to 20 years in prison, significant financial penalties, and eventual deportation to her home country upon completion of her sentence.
🗣️ Top Social Media Reactions:
@TechGuruNaija: “Another tech talent gone rogue. So sad to see.”
@NaijaWatchdog: “When will we stop making headlines for the wrong reasons?”
@CyberQueen: “She had so much potential. What a waste.”
@JusticeForAll: “Hope justice is served swiftly.”
@GlobalNewsAfrica: “This is a wake-up call for influencers.”
The arrest of Sapphire Egemasi serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of cybercrime. As the digital world continues to evolve, so do the methods of fraudsters. It’s imperative for individuals and organizations to remain vigilant and for authorities to enforce strict measures against such crimes.
Original Story by Vanguard
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