Hajia4Reall, the well-known Ghanaian socialite and singer, Mona Faiz Montrage, has been handed a sentence of one year and one day in prison by a US court for her involvement in a romance scam. The sentencing comes after a series of legal proceedings that began with her arrest in the UK in November 2022, following her appearance at the Ghana Music Awards UK.
Extradited to the United States in May 2023, Hajia4Real faced prosecution for her role in laundering the proceeds of romance scams. According to reports from Inner City Press, the prosecution initially sought a 37-month sentence, reflecting the seriousness of the charges. However, the presiding judge opted for a slightly lighter sentence, stating, “I sentence Ms. Montrage to one year and one day in prison, with the additional day allowing for potential ‘good time’.”
During the proceedings, Hajia4Real had previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to receive stolen money, a charge that highlighted her involvement in the illicit scheme. Her defense team had argued for her swift return to Ghana upon release, without detention by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
This sentencing marks a significant turn of event in the legal journey of Hajia4Real, whose fame as a social media personality and entertainer has been overshadowed by this legal ordeal. As she prepares to serve her sentence, the case serves as a reminder of the global reach and consequences of financial crimes, even for those in the public eye.