Fast Law PC, representing Mona Montrage, popularly known as Hajia4Reall, has stated that the convict did not provide any names to the US Attorney’s Office in connection with her romance scam case.
This clarification was done through an Instagram video posted on the firm’s official page after recent speculations.
The spokesperson from Fast Law PC emphasized, “Mona Montrage did not engage in any catfishing activities or cooperate with the US Attorney’s Office to reveal any names. We have evidence to substantiate these claims.”
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.”
Mona Montrage was sentenced to one year and a day for her involvement in the fraud case. She had earlier appealed for a reduced sentence, highlighting her role as a single parent.
Background
Hajia4Reall was extradited from the UK to the US for her role in a romance scam totalling $2 million, which targeted 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 maintained 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 permitted Hajia4Reall to forfeit properties valued at $2,164,758.41 instead of paying monetary restitution for the stolen funds.
In a 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.