From Tech Queen to Courtroom Drama: Nigerian Tech Influencer Sapphire Egemasi Faces 20 Years in U.S. Prison Over Cyber Fraud Charges
Once celebrated as a rising star in Nigeria’s tech and influencer circles, Sapphire Egemasi—popularly known online as the “Tech Queen”—is now at the center of a global scandal. According to @SaharaReporters, she is facing up to 20 years in a U.S. federal prison after being indicted for her alleged role in a multimillion-dollar cyber fraud scheme.
The arrest and subsequent charges have shocked both her Nigerian and international followers, many of whom saw her as a role model for women in tech.
U.S. prosecutors allege that Sapphire was part of a sophisticated cybercrime network involved in:
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Business email compromise (BEC) scams
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Identity theft
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Wire fraud across multiple states
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Laundering proceeds through cryptocurrency and offshore accounts
The total amount involved is believed to be in the tens of millions of dollars, affecting several U.S. businesses and individuals.
Sapphire, known for her lavish lifestyle, speaking engagements, and tech coaching brand, had built a large following across Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube, where she regularly preached digital empowerment and financial independence.
Her arrest has left fans reeling:
“I trusted her. She taught us about growth, but she may have been living a lie,” one follower posted.
The U.S. Department of Justice has confirmed that Sapphire is being held pending trial and faces multiple felony counts. If convicted, she could be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison, plus restitution and asset forfeiture.
Her legal team has yet to release an official statement.
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