In a shocking revelation, Ghanaian socialite and entrepreneur, Mona Faiz Montrage, globally identified as Hajia4Real, is said to have been involved with some group of ‘con artists’, particularly in West Africa.
According to the Manhattan US Attorney Damian Williams, Hajia4real and her associates orchestrated an elaborate scam that targeted unsuspecting victims, exploiting their emotions and defrauding them of their hard-earned money.
The federal authorities have revealed that from 2013 to 2019, Montrage collaborated with fraudsters who used fake identities to deceive individuals into believing they were engaged in romantic relationships. This web of deceit involved the use of emails, text messages, and social media interactions to manipulate victims’ trust.
The elaborate scheme operated by Hajia4real and her associates revolved around convincing victims to send money under false pretences. The court documents indicate that the victims were duped into making financial transfers to assist in fictitious activities, including the transportation of gold from overseas to the United States, resolving fake FBI investigations, and providing funds to supposed US Army officers stationed in Afghanistan.
One particular case outlined in the court papers involves Hajia4real’s alleged manipulation of a victim into sending a staggering $89,000 through 82 wire transfers.
Manhattan US Attorney Damian Williams in his statement condemned Hajia4real’s alleged criminal actions as he said, “As alleged, Mona Faiz Montrage was a member of a criminal conspiracy that specifically targeted older Americans through romance scams. These scams can be both financially and emotionally devastating for vulnerable victims.”
“Thanks to the efforts of our law enforcement partners, Montrage was arrested abroad and has been brought to the United States to face justice,”.
The Ghanaian influencer, known for her lavish lifestyle and substantial Instagram following was arrested on November 10, 2022, in the UK for the alleged conspiracy and brought to the US on Friday.
She is currently being charged with wire fraud, money laundering, receipt of stolen money and conspiracy and faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted on the top charge.
According to her lawyer and the prosecutor’s office, Hajia4real entered a not-guilty plea during her court appearance. She is set to be released on home detention to her aunt’s New Jersey residence in the coming days on a $500,000 bond, with GPS tracking via an ankle monitor.