In a US court today, June 28, 2024, Ghanaian musician and socialite Hajia4Reall, whose real name is Mona Faiz Montrage, will be sentenced for the online fraud charges she entered a guilty plea to.
The socialite’s legal team has asked for a three-month term, highlighting her crucial role in her child’s life as a single mother. The US Attorney’s Office, however, has argued in favor of the full 37-month term, pointing to other cases and emphasizing the necessity of an effective deterrent.
Loveman Allison, the father of her daughter, was identified by Hajia4Reall as the one who first exposed her to online fraud. She described how she met Allison in the US in 2015 and fell in love with him, only to subsequently learn of his fraudulent actions. Hajia4Reall claims that Allison exposed her to online fraud, and she ultimately joined his operations.
Hajia4Reall’s call for mercy centers on Allison, who has been characterized as an irresponsible father. She argued for a lesser term by pointing out the possible harm her absence could cause to their daughter.
Hajia4Reall faces one count each of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and money laundering. She also faces one count of conspiracy to accept stolen money, which carries a five-year imprisonment penalty, and reception of stolen money, which carries a maximum 10-year prison sentence.
According to reports, Hajia4Reall was a part of a romantic fraud for $2 million. She allegedly received $89,000 in wire transfers and spoke with one of her victims on several occasions, ostensibly to finance her father’s farm. She was extradited to the United States to face these accusations after being arrested in the United Kingdom.
A lower sentence has been fiercely contested by the US Attorney’s Office, which claims it would be unjust and ineffective as a deterrent. They have supported their argument for the 37-month term with similar cases.
With major ramifications for Hajia4Reall’s future and its larger message against online fraud, all eyes are on the proceedings as the court gets ready to impose its punishment.
