Hajia4Real agrees to pay over $4M to US Authorities

Ghanaian socialite and musician, Hajia4Real, has reached an agreement to pay over $4 million to U.S. authorities following her guilty plea in a romance scam case.

Hajia4Real, also known as Mona Faiz Montrage, admitted her involvement in money laundering activities connected to a series of romance scams.

The announcement was made on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, by the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York.

Damian Williams, the U.S. attorney, stated in an official report that “Montrage pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to receive stolen money before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah L. Cave.”

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According to the U.S. Attorney, Mona Faiz Montrage knowingly received funds that were stolen from elderly Americans through romance scams. She was arrested abroad and now faces serious consequences for her actions.

Williams further emphasized the impact of romance scams on vulnerable and elderly victims, stating, “Romance scams such as Montrage’s harmed her victims not only through the cruel betrayal of trust but also by callously stealing their money. This office, along with our law enforcement partners, is relentless in bringing fraudsters who target Americans to justice, regardless of their location.”

As part of the settlement, Hajia4Real has agreed to forfeit $2,164,758.41 and make restitution in the same amount. This means that she will pay a total of $4,329,516.82, with $2,164,758.41 going to the victims and an equal amount to the U.S. authorities as proceeds from her criminal activities.

Hajia4Real is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Paul A. Crotty.

SOURCE: Coverghana.com.gh