Ghanaian musician and influencer Mona Faiz Montrage, who was extradited to the US from the UK over an alleged $2m (£1.6m) romance scam, has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
She appeared before a judge on Monday but is still in custody until all bail conditions are met.
Prosecutors said she was charged with conspiracy to commit and committing wire fraud and money laundering, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment.
She was also charged with receipt of stolen money, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in jail, and conspiracy to receive stolen money, with a maximum of five years.
Montrage, popularly known as Hajia 4Reall, and her alleged criminal enterprise are accused of engaging in fraud including romance scams between 2013 and 2019.
They had allegedly targeted older American men, women and businesses.
Prosecutors said they sent a series of emails, text messages and social media messages to trick victims into believing they were in a romantic relationship - and then exploited them for monetary gains.
In one instance, she is alleged to have extorted about $89,000 through 82 wire transfers after sending the victim a fake traditional marriage certificate.
Prosecutors have also alleged she swindled people under false pretences.
Montrage is an influential musician in Ghana with over four million followers on Instagram. There has been a feeling of shock and disappointment in Ghana.
But US prosecutors have said the charges against her are accusations and she is innocent until proven guilty.
She will reappear in court on 28 June.
Latest Stories
-
Dreams FC denies allegations of attempting to sign Najeeb Yakubu
37 mins -
Election 2024: ‘Right to free and fair elections non-negotiable’ – Akufo-Addo
43 mins -
Kurt Okraku took out my passport from the U23 squad that travelled to Japan – Najeeb Yakubu alleges
53 mins -
Where hope fails: Ghana’s decaying home for the destitute
1 hour -
NDC Mining Committee for 2024 campaign refutes allegations of recruiting thugs for elections
1 hour -
Traction Control: A lifesaver with an off switch? Here’s why it exists
1 hour -
I don’t need anyman to woo me with money – Miss Malaika 2024 winner refutes pimping claims
1 hour -
”Kurt Okraku sabotaged my national team career because I refused to sign with Dreams FC” – Najeeb Yakubu
1 hour -
Businesses urged to leverage Generative AI for enhanced customer engagement
1 hour -
MultiChoice Ghana partners with Ghana Hotels Association to elevate guest entertainment
2 hours -
Bawumia’s music streaming app or Mahama’s pay-per-view TV channel?
2 hours -
Karpowership Ghana empowers 40 Takoradi Technical University students with scholarship
2 hours -
We expect significant reduction in prices of petroleum products in coming weeks – CEO AOMC
2 hours -
Betway Africa offers once-in-a-lifetime ‘Play-on-the-Pitch’ experience at Emirates Stadium
2 hours -
I coined the term ‘hype man’ in Ghana – Merqury Quaye
2 hours