In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through social media circles and beyond, Ghanaian social media personality, Mona Faiz Montrage, better known as Hajia4Reall, has pleaded guilty to charges related to her involvement in a $2 million romance scam. The case, prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office, has highlighted the intricate and deceptive nature of online scams that prey on vulnerable individuals.
According to official statements, Hajia4Reall admitted to one count of conspiring to receive stolen money, a crime that carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. Beyond her prison sentence, she has agreed to a forfeiture of $2,164,758.41 and will make restitution of the same amount, underscoring the financial impact of her actions.
The guilty plea marks a significant turn in Hajia4Reall’s legal journey, which began with her extradition from the United Kingdom to the United States in May 2023. Upon her extradition, she faced multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit and commit wire fraud and money laundering, each carrying a maximum sentence of 20 years, and receipt of stolen money, which could result in a 10-year sentence.
According to a report by My Joy Online, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Damian Williams, commented on the case, stating, “Mona Faiz Montrage knowingly received money stolen from older Americans through romance scams and now faces serious consequences for her actions.” Williams emphasized the harm caused by romance scams, particularly to elderly victims who were deceived into believing they had genuine romantic connections online.
Hajia4Reall’s guilty plea sheds light on the operations of a criminal enterprise based in Ghana that, from 2013 to 2019, engaged in a series of frauds targeting American individuals and businesses. The enterprise’s modus operandi involved convincing victims of fake romantic relationships and then persuading them to transfer money under false pretenses, such as transporting gold to the U.S. or assisting a fictitious U.S. Army officer.
Initially, Hajia4Reall pleaded not guilty to all charges and declared her innocence on social media. In a now-deleted Instagram post dated June 26, 2023, she expressed gratitude towards her supporters and hinted at a forthcoming vindication. However, her subsequent guilty plea contrasts with her earlier assertions of innocence, bringing her case to a critical juncture as she awaits sentencing by U.S. District Judge Paul A. Crotty.
This case not only highlights the global reach of law enforcement in tackling cyber fraud but also serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of participating in online scams. As Hajia4Reall prepares for her sentencing, the fallout from her actions continues to reverberate, offering a stark reminder of the real-world implications of virtual crimes.
