A Ghanaian social media influencer has been extradited from the United Kingdom to the US on allegations related to financial fraud targeting older individuals, according to federal prosecutors.
Mona Faiz Montrage, 30, appeared in Manhattan federal court to face charges of alleged involvement in romance scams aimed at vulnerable, older Americans who lived alone.
Montrage, who had a substantial following on her Instagram page Hajia4Reall, allegedly participated in a series of fraudulent activities between 2013 and 2019.
Prosecutors claim that she worked alongside a group of con artists from West Africa, allegedly assuming false identities to deceive victims into believing they were in relationships.
The alleged scam involved the use of emails, texts, and social media messages to manipulate victims into transferring money under false pretenses, such as assisting in gold transportation or resolving fictitious FBI investigations, and aiding purported US Army officers in Afghanistan.
According to court documents, the details of which where published by the New York Times on Monday, Montrage stands accused of persuading one victim to send $89,000 through 82 wire transfers, claiming the funds would help her father’s farm in Ghana. The victim was allegedly tricked into believing they were married after receiving a tribal marriage certificate, which arrived following a series of phone conversations involving Montrage’s actual identity.
Prosecutors further allege that Montrage received money from several others who fell victim to scams associated with her network. It is claimed that the illicitly obtained funds, totaling $2 million, were funneled into bank accounts located in the Bronx and other areas. One account was opened under the name of 4Reall Designs, purportedly a clothing company. Montrage is also accused of engaging in money laundering by transferring the stolen funds to other members of the criminal enterprise.
“Investigations reveal that Mona Faiz Montrage was part of a criminal conspiracy specifically targeting older Americans through romance scams,” said Manhattan US Attorney Damian Williams in a statement. He emphasized the potentially devastating financial and emotional impact on vulnerable victims. Williams expressed gratitude to law enforcement partners for apprehending Montrage abroad and bringing her to the US to face legal proceedings.
Montrage, whose Instagram account ranked among the top 10 most followed in Ghana, was arrested on November 10, 2022, in the UK on charges related to the alleged conspiracy. She was subsequently extradited to the US. Montrage faces multiple charges, including wire fraud, money laundering, receipt of stolen money, and conspiracy. If convicted on the most serious charge, she could face up to 20 years in prison.
During her court appearance, Montrage pleaded not guilty. Her lawyer, Adam Cortez, stated that only two out of six alleged victims reported interactions with a woman, and only one of them claimed to have dealt directly with Montrage.
Cortez revealed that his client would be released on home detention to her aunt’s residence in New Jersey, pending further proceedings. The release would be contingent upon a $500,000 bail bond, and Montrage would be subject to GPS tracking via an ankle monitor.
Cortez also indicated that Montrage’s movements would be restricted to specific parts of New York and New Jersey. He refrained from making further comments until receiving additional information and evidence from prosecutors.
