Ghanaian socialite and musician Mona Faiz Montrage, popularly known as Hajia 4Reall, is expected to be released today, May 22, 2025, from the Federal Detention Center in Philadelphia, exactly one year and one day after her incarceration began.
The 32-year-old, who gained massive popularity through her Instagram account @Hajia4Reall, was sentenced in the U.S. for her involvement in a romance scam operation that targeted elderly Americans. Her legal troubles began in 2023 when she was extradited from the UK to the U.S., and by February 2024, she had pleaded guilty to conspiracy to receive stolen money.
Prosecutors revealed that Hajia 4Reall was part of a wider West African fraud network that scammed vulnerable individuals out of over $2 million through fake romantic relationships. She personally handled funds from around 40 victims, funneled into U.S. bank accounts under false pretenses. The scams included elaborate stories about transporting gold, helping a fake U.S. Army officer, and resolving a non-existent FBI case.
In June 2024, she was sentenced by U.S. District Judge J. Paul Oetken to one year and one day in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. She was also ordered to forfeit $216,475 and repay $1.39 million in restitution.
Despite the gravity of the case, Hajia 4Reall’s legal team told the court she is ready to start over. Court documents show that the judge approved a return plan to Ghana, where she is expected to rebuild her life and contribute positively to society.
