Ghanaian Influencer Hajia 4reall Sentenced for Romance Scams

Ghanaian influencer Mona Faiz Montrage, popularly known as Hajia 4reall, has been sentenced to one year and one day in prison for her role in a series of romance scams and laundering the proceeds from those schemes. The sentencing occurred in New York under U.S. District Judge J. Paul Oetken.

Montrage, known for her social media presence, was arrested in the United Kingdom on November 10, 2022, and extradited to the United States on May 12, 2023. The charges against her included conspiracy to receive stolen money, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. Montrage pled guilty to these charges on February 21, 2024, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah L. Cave.

Timeline of Legal Proceedings

• November 10, 2022: Arrested in the United Kingdom.
• May 12, 2023: Extradited to the United States.
• February 21, 2024: Pled guilty to conspiracy to receive stolen money.
• June 3, 2024: Initial sentencing date, postponed to June 28.
• June 28, 2024: Sentenced to one year and one day in prison.

The Scam

Montrage was involved in romance scams that targeted vulnerable senior citizens, promising them marriage and subsequently defrauding them of their money. Over six years, 32 victims lost approximately $1.4 million. Montrage laundered the proceeds through multiple bank accounts she opened in her name.

Courtroom Details

During the sentencing, the Assistant U.S. Attorney highlighted the severity of Montrage’s actions and the impact on the victims. “The victims were vulnerable senior citizens. Some were promised marriage; they sent and lost money,” said the prosecutor. Montrage’s defence argued for a lighter sentence, citing her abusive relationship with a former boyfriend who was also involved in the scams.

Montrage expressed remorse in court, stating, “I want to pay them back. I feel shame as a mother of an eight-year-old daughter. Please have mercy on me,” before breaking into sobs.