Ghanaian musician and social media influencer, Hajia4Real, has been repatriated from the United Kingdom to the United States following allegations of swindling over $2 million. The artist, whose real name is Mona Faiz Montrage, appeared in Manhattan federal court on Monday and pleaded not guilty to the charges. She is expected to be released upon posting a $500,000 bond and will be required to wear an ankle monitor with GPS tracking.
According to federal authorities, Hajia4Real was part of a criminal network that targeted older Americans through romance scams. The scheme involved creating false identities and establishing fake romantic relationships with victims through various communication channels. Court documents reveal a specific case where she allegedly convinced a victim to send her $89,000 for her father’s farm in Ghana, using a tribal marriage certificate to validate their fabricated marital status.
Prosecutors also claim that Hajia4Real received funds from several other victims who were deceived by her network of fraudsters. The total amount accumulated is estimated to be around $2 million, which was subsequently laundered through bank accounts held by her under various aliases.
If found guilty of the charges, Hajia4Real could face a maximum prison sentence of 20 years. The case highlights the devastating impact of romance scams on vulnerable individuals, both financially and emotionally.
For the most part, the repatriation of Hajia4Real to the United States signifies a step towards justice in combating fraudulent activities. It serves as a reminder of the importance of staying vigilant and cautious when engaging in online relationships. All in all, the case underscores the need for continued efforts to protect individuals from falling victim to such scams and to hold those responsible accountable for their actions.