Ghanaian socialite Hajia 4Reall, whose real name is Mona Montrage, has been sentenced to a year and a day in prison by a U.S. court for her involvement in a series of romance scams. The verdict was delivered on Friday, June 28, concluding the case U.S. v. Mona Montrage, 22 cr 617 (JPO).
Despite her defense team’s plea for a three-month sentence, citing her role as a single mother, the court imposed a longer term. The government had initially requested a sentence of 37 to 46 months, making the final decision significantly shorter.
In a statement, Hajia 4Reall’s legal team from Fast Law PLC expressed relief and pride in the outcome, highlighting their successful argument for a reduced sentence. They announced that their client would make a public statement when she feels ready.
READ ALSO:Ghanaian Socialite Hajia4Reall Sentenced for Romance Scam: One Year and One Day in U.S. Prison
Hajia 4Reall faced a six-count indictment for her role in multiple romance schemes and laundering the proceeds from these schemes. She was arrested in the UK on November 10, 2022, and extradited to the U.S. on May 12, 2023. In February 2024, she pleaded guilty to the charges.
The prosecution argued for a harsher sentence to serve as a deterrent, especially given the involvement of vulnerable, older victims. According to court documents, Hajia 4Reall was part of a West African criminal enterprise that operated from at least 2013 to 2019, deceiving individuals and businesses in the U.S.
Reports indicated that she was implicated in a $2 million romance scam, with one victim alone transferring $89,000 under false pretenses. She allegedly used various ruses, including transporting non-existent gold and resolving fake FBI investigations, to extract money from her victims.
Upon her release from prison, Hajia 4Reall will not face additional ICE detention but will be directly transported to the airport to return to Ghana. This decision marks the end of a high-profile case that has drawn significant attention in both the U.S. and Ghana.
