Ghanaian social media influencer Mona Faiz Montrage has been extradited from the UK to the US for her alleged involvement in a lonely hearts scam that defrauded older, single Americans of over $2 million.
Montrage, who had a significant following on Instagram, was part of a group of con artists from West Africa who used fake identities to deceive victims into believing they were in relationships. Through emails, texts, and social media messages, the scammers manipulated victims into transferring money for false reasons such as gold transport, FBI investigations, and support for fake US Army officers.
Court documents reveal that Montrage, in one instance, duped a victim into sending her $89,000 through 82 wire transfers under the guise of helping her father’s farm in Ghana. Allegedly, she even went as far as sending a tribal marriage certificate to make the victim believe they were married. Montrage is accused of receiving money from several other victims who fell prey to scammers in her network.
In total, she managed to accumulate $2 million in funds that were funneled into bank accounts she controlled.
Manhattan US Attorney Damian Williams emphasized that Mona Faiz Montrage was part of a criminal conspiracy that specifically targeted vulnerable older Americans through romance scams, causing severe financial and emotional harm.
Following her arrest abroad, Montrage has been brought to the US to face justice. She is charged with wire fraud, money laundering, receipt of stolen money, and conspiracy, carrying a potential prison sentence of up to 20 years if convicted.
During her court appearance, Montrage pleaded not guilty and is set to be released on home detention to her aunt’s residence in New Jersey, pending her case. Her lawyer confirmed that she can only travel within certain areas of New York and New Jersey.
The defense attorney refrained from further comment until more information and evidence are received from prosecutors.
