By Edem Latsu Nukafu
Ghanaian socialite and Instagram influencer, Hajia4Reall a.k.a Mona4Reall, known by her birth name Mona Faiz Montrage, has pleaded guilty to charges of receiving proceeds from romance scams in a United States court. The case, brought forth by the US Department of Justice, sheds light on a sophisticated criminal enterprise based in West Africa, of which Hajia4Reall was a member.
According to the US Department of Justice’s press release, the enterprise, operating from approximately 2013 to 2019, targeted vulnerable individuals, particularly older men and women living alone, through romance scams. The modus operandi involved creating fake identities to establish romantic relationships with victims, deceiving them into transferring money under false pretenses to bank accounts controlled by members of the enterprise.
Hajia4Reall, who gained fame as an influencer through her Instagram profile, was revealed to have received funds from victims of these romance frauds. The funds, totaling over $2 million, were obtained through various false pretenses, including promises to transport gold overseas, resolve fake FBI investigations, and assist fictitious US Army officers in receiving funds.
At 31 years old and hailing from Accra, Ghana, Hajia4Reall admitted to one count of conspiring to receive stolen money, a charge that carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. Additionally, she agreed to forfeit over $2 million and make restitution in the same amount. Her sentencing is scheduled to be presided over by U.S. District Judge Paul A. Crotty.
In response to the public disclosure of her involvement, Hajia4Reall took to Instagram, posting a photo with the caption “Lessons learned, we move,” signaling a resolve to overcome the consequences of her actions.
The case serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the prevalence of online scams and the far-reaching consequences for both perpetrators and victims. As investigations continue and legal proceedings unfold, the implications of Hajia4Reall’s guilty plea reverberate across borders, prompting reflection on the complexities of digital deception and the pursuit of justice in an interconnected world.
Writer’s email: edemlatsu093@gmail.com
