Ghanaian singer and social media influencer, Mona Faiz Montrage, known as Hajia 4 Real, has admitted guilt in a $2 million romance scam case in the United States. According to information from the US Attorney’s Office website, she pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to receive stolen money on February 21st, 2024.
This offense carries a maximum prison sentence of five years. Damian Williams, the US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced this development, stating that Mona Faiz Montrage knowingly received money stolen from older Americans through romance scams. He emphasized the harm caused to vulnerable elderly victims who believed they were forming genuine romantic connections online.
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The US authorities, in collaboration with law enforcement partners, are committed to bringing fraudsters targeting Americans to justice. Hajia 4 Real has agreed to forfeit $2,164,758.41 and make restitution in the same amount. Her sentencing will be determined by U.S. District Judge Paul A. Crotty at a later date.
Beginning of Hajia 4 Real case
Hajia 4 Real was extradited from the United Kingdom to the United States in May 2023 for her alleged involvement in the $2 million romance scam which targeted older single Americans. Prosecutors charged her with conspiracy to commit and committing wire fraud and money laundering, each carrying a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment. She also faced charges of receipt of stolen money (with a maximum sentence of 10 years) and conspiracy to receive stolen money (with a maximum of five years).
According to the prosecution, from around 2013 to 2019, Hajia 4 Real was part of a criminal enterprise based in Ghana that defrauded individuals and businesses in the United States. Victims believed they were sending money to their romantic interests, but the funds actually went to members of the criminal enterprise.
The prosecution revealed that Hajia 4 Real received money from several romance fraud victims deceived by the enterprise. Victims were tricked into sending money under various false pretenses, including payments to transport gold, resolve fake FBI investigations, and assist a fake U.S. Army officer in receiving funds from Afghanistan.
In total, Hajia 4 Real controlled bank accounts that received over $2 million in fraudulent funds. Initially, she pleaded not guilty to all charges in May 2023 and was released on bail. On June 26, 2023, she still maintained her innocence but now she has pleaded guilty.