Hajia 4Real pleads guilty to romance scam, faces $2M fine and 5 year maximum sentence

Famed Ghanaian socialite, Hajia 4Real, whose real name is Mona Faiz Montrage, has pleaded guilty to charges relating to her involvement in a string of romance scams and money laundering schemes. The plea was made today in front of U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah L. Cave. The indictment, comprising six counts, outlined Montrage’s role in orchestrating various romance scams and subsequently laundering the illicit proceeds. Her arrest occurred in the United Kingdom on November 10, 2022, and she was later extradited from there on May 12, 2023, to face trial in the United States. Initially set to appear before U.S. District Judge Paul A. Crotty on May 24, Montrage’s legal proceedings faced multiple delays. The pre-trial conference scheduled for October 6 was postponed by a month, and on November 8, Montrage’s new legal representation requested an additional 60 days, further prolonging the process. However, today’s developments mark a significant milestone as Montrage entered a guilty plea for her involvement in the conspiracy to receive stolen money. This plea carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. Additionally, she has agreed to forfeit a staggering sum of $2,164,758.41, believed to be proceeds from the illicit activities, and to make restitution in the same amount. The bond for Montrage’s release had been secured with co-signers Hashimiyu Haruna, Fatahia Chung, and Ayisheto Al Hassan, reflecting the complexity and seriousness of the case.