Fast Law PC, the legal representatives for Mona Montrage, popularly known as Hajia4Reall, have clarified that she did not cooperate with the US Attorney’s Office by disclosing any names in her effort to seek a reduced sentence.
This assertion was made through an Instagram video posted on the firm’s official page.
“We want to make it clear that Mona Montrage did not engage in any catfishing activities or cooperate with the US Attorney’s Office to reveal any names,” the spokesperson stated. “We have evidence to substantiate these claims.”
The clarification comes in response to rumors suggesting that Hajia4Reall had provided information about others involved in her case to receive a lighter sentence.
The spokesperson elaborated, “Following Mona Montrage’s sentencing, we have been asked about her cooperation. Consider this: If she had cooperated with the US Attorney’s Office, would they have recommended a guideline sentence of 37 to 46 months? Clearly, they would not have.”
Hajia4Reall was sentenced to one year and a day for her involvement in a romance scam that defrauded victims of $2 million. Prior to her sentencing, she had appealed for a reduced sentence by highlighting her role as a single parent.
Mona Faiz Montrage, also known as Hajia4Reall or Mona4Reall, was extradited from the UK to the US due to her involvement in a romance scam targeting older, single Americans. The 30-year-old musician and businesswoman first appeared in Manhattan federal court on May 15, 2022.
Court documents revealed that Hajia4Reall operated five foreign bank accounts through which she received funds from over forty victims, using fictitious business entities across three banks in the Bronx, New York. She pleaded guilty to conspiracy to receive stolen money, one of seven charges, including attempted wire fraud and money laundering. This guilty plea carries a maximum prison sentence of five years.
As part of her sentencing, the court allowed Hajia4Reall to forfeit properties valued at $2,164,758.41 instead of paying monetary restitution for the stolen funds.
Allegations Involving Her Ex-Partner
In her final submission to the court, Mona and her lawyers alleged that her ex-partner, Luvman Allison, had used her accounts to receive funds from unknown individuals. According to Elenor Fast, Hajia4Reall’s lawyer, Luvman was financially supporting himself through fraudulent activities while on probation following a previous arrest by the US government.
The submission detailed how Luvman deceived Hajia4Reall into believing they were in a genuine relationship, manipulating her trust to involve her in his financial schemes. Mona admitted that although she eventually realized the illicit nature of these activities, she continued out of fear for her safety and that of her daughter.
Hajia4Reall’s sister also testified that Luvman had used her sister’s accounts for transactions related to romance scams. However, these revelations sparked controversy on social media, with many accusing Mona of deflecting responsibility. Some claimed that Luvman was involved in drug-related activities rather than romance scams.
The case of Hajia4Reall continues to attract public interest, highlighting the complexities and far-reaching consequences of romance scams. As her legal team maintains her innocence in revealing identities, the focus remains on the judicial outcomes and the broader implications for those involved in such fraudulent activities.