Ghanaian social media influencer and musician Hajia4Reall, arrested in the UK in November 2022, has pleaded guilty in a U.S. court to charges stemming from her involvement in a scam that defrauded elderly Americans seeking love online.

Hajia4Reall, whose real name is Mona Faiz Montrage, was extradited to the United States after her arrest in London. Prosecutors allege she was part of a scheme that targeted vulnerable individuals online, luring them into fake romantic relationships and exploiting their trust for financial gain. The exact amount stolen is disputed, with reports ranging from $2 million to over $8 million.

Following a year and a half of legal battles, Hajia4Reall opted to plead guilty. Her lawyer argued for leniency during the trial, claiming she was influenced by a larger fraud organization and emphasizing her responsibilities as a single mother with a young daughter. The judge will consider these arguments, along with submitted letters of leniency, at a sentencing hearing expected within the week. Hajia4Reall faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.