Ghanaian Social Media Star ‘MONTRAGE’ ( Hajia4Real) Pleads Guilty in Romance Fraud Case.
Montrage pleads guilty in Romance Fraud Case.
MONTRAGE, a prominent figure in Ghana’s social media scene, gained fame as an influencer through her Instagram handle, “Hajia4Reall,” boasting a substantial following of around 3.4 million users and ranking among Ghana’s top 10 profiles.
However, MONTRAGE’s ascent to fame took a dark turn as she became embroiled in a romance fraud scheme orchestrated by an enterprise. Victims were deceived into sending money under false pretenses, including fictitious scenarios like transporting gold, resolving fake FBI investigations, and aiding a fabricated U.S. Army officer.
The scheme funneled over $2 million in illicit funds through bank accounts controlled by MONTRAGE. Facing charges, the 31-year-old from Accra, Ghana, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to receive stolen money, which carries a maximum prison sentence of five years. Additionally, she agreed to forfeit $2,164,758.41 and make restitution in the same amount.
While the maximum potential sentence is outlined by Congress, the final judgment rests with U.S. District Judge Paul A. Crotty.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) received commendation for its diligent efforts in uncovering the fraud. The case is under the purview of the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit, with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mitzi Steiner and Kevin Mead leading the prosecution.
