Entertainment
Hajia4Reall pleads guilty to receiving fraud proceeds from romance scams
Ghanaian Socialite, Mona Faiz Montrage, popularly known as Hajia4Reall, has pleaded guilty in a $2 million romance scam case.
According to the United States Attorney’s Office website, Hajia4Reall pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to receive stolen money.
She also agreed to pay forfeiture in the amount of $2,164,758.41 and make restitution in the same amount.
Montrage is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Paul A. Crotty.
Montrage 31, of Accra, Ghana, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to receive stolen money, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced the guilty plea today of Mona Faiz Montrage for her role in laundering the proceeds of a series of romance scams.
He said Mona pleaded guilty on Wednesday February 21, to conspiracy to receive stolen money before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah L. Cave.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Mona Faiz Montrage knowingly received money stolen from older Americans through romance scams and was arrested abroad and now faces serious consequences for her actions. Romance scams such as Montrage’s harmed her vulnerable, elderly victims not only in the cruel betrayal of trust in the realisation that their online romantic connection was fiction, but by also callously stealing their money. This Office and our law enforcement partners are relentless in bringing fraudsters who target Americans to justice, no matter where they are.”
As alleged in the Indictment and statements made in public filings and public court proceedings:
According to the facts of the case, from at least in or about 2013 through in or about 2019, MONTRAGE was a member of a criminal enterprise (the “Enterprise”) based in West Africa that committed a series of frauds against individuals and businesses in the U.S., including romance scams.
It added that many of the Enterprise’s romance scam victims were vulnerable, older men and women who lived alone.
” The Enterprise frequently conducted the romance scams by sending the victims emails, text messages, and social media messages that deceived the victims into believing that they were in romantic relationships with a person who was, in fact, a fake identity assumed by members of the Enterprise. Once members of the Enterprise had successfully convinced victims that they were in a romantic relationship and had gained their trust, they convinced the victims, under false pretenses, to transfer money to bank accounts the victims believed were controlled by their romantic interests, when, in fact, the bank accounts were controlled by members of the Enterprise,” it added.
Montrage is a Ghanaian Socialite who rose to fame as an influencer through her Instagram profile under the username “Hajia4Reall,” which at one point had approximately 3.4 million Instagram followers and was among the top 10 profiles with the most followers in Ghana.
MONTRAGE received money from several victims of romance frauds who members of the Enterprise tricked into sending money. Among the false pretenses used to induce victims to send money to MONTRAGE were payments to transport gold to the U.S. from overseas payments to resolve a fake FBI investigation, and payments to assist a fake U.S. Army officer in receiving funds from Afghanistan.
In total, MONTRAGE controlled bank accounts that received over $2 million in fraudulent funds from the Enterprise.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Entertainment
Afia Ayiwah out with ‘testify’
Media Ecxel Productions artiste, Afia Ayiwah, has released her latest single ‘ testify’ which is already receiving massive air play and doing wonders in the lives of music lovers both locally and international.
The single produced by Ghanaian renowned producer Kaywa, showcases Ayiwah’s powerful vocals and unwavering faith, encouraging listeners to share their testimonies of hope and redemption.
In an interview The Spectator Agoro Afia Ayiwah said her single is a blend of traditional gospel sounds and modern musical elements.
According to her, the single offers an uplifting anthem that resonates with both longtime fans and new listeners.
‘The release of ‘testify’ comes at a time, as many are seeking solace and encouragement amidst life’s challenges’ and also remind listeners that faith is a journey meant to be shared within the community’ she explained.
Afia Ayiwah, known for her soul-stirring melodies and heartfelt lyrics, has been a prominent figure in the gospel music scene for several years.
With a unique ability to connect with her audience, Ayiwah’s songs often celebrate personal experiences of faith, resilience, and the transformative power of God’s love.
‘Testify’ is now available on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Boomplay, Apple Music, and YouTube.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
Entertainment
Womba Drumming and Dance set to tour UK
Womba Africa Drumming and Dance ensemble, a traditional cultural troupe in Ghana, is set to embark on an exciting tour of the UK.
Renowned for their use of traditional instruments to create melodious, original compositions, the troupe never fails to get audiences on their feet with their high-energy performances.
“Womba” means “We are coming” in the local Ga dialect, and true to their name, the troupe makes a powerful impression wherever they go. Their upcoming UK tour, scheduled for September and October 2025, promises an immersive cultural experience centered on drumming and dancing.
From September 18 to 20, the troupe will host a workshop and training programme.
This event will delve into the history and origins of various dance styles, showcase traditional costumes and instruments, include storytelling sessions, and provide hands-on training in dance techniques, among other activities.
The workshop will take place at Lewsey Community Centre Landrace Road Luton LU4 OSW.
In an interview with their manager, Felix Nii Okai Nummello, he expressed their anticipation for the world to know how hard working the group has been over the years.
“A lot of preparation is ongoing, and we are surely going to make Africa proud on this tour”, he said.
“This is a rare opportunity to witness the vibrant rhythms and rich traditions of Ghanaian culture live in the UK. Don’t miss out, mark your calendars and be part of this unforgettable cultural celebration,” he urged patrons.
