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
-
CHAN 2024Q: Ghana’s Black Galaxies held by Nigeria in first-leg tie
50 minutes -
Dr Nduom hopeful defunct GN bank will be restored under Mahama administration
1 hour -
Bridget Bonnie celebrates NDC Victory, champions hope for women and youth
2 hours -
Shamima Muslim urges youth to lead Ghana’s renewal at 18Plus4NDC anniversary
3 hours -
Akufo-Addo condemns post-election violence, blames NDC
3 hours -
DAMC, Free Food Company, to distribute 10,000 packs of food to street kids
4 hours -
Kwame Boafo Akuffo: Court ruling on re-collation flawed
4 hours -
Samuel Yaw Adusei: The strategist behind NDC’s electoral security in Ashanti region
4 hours -
I’m confident posterity will judge my performance well – Akufo-Addo
4 hours -
Syria’s minorities seek security as country charts new future
5 hours -
Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo re-appointed as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana
5 hours -
German police probe market attack security and warnings
5 hours -
Grief and anger in Magdeburg after Christmas market attack
5 hours -
Baltasar Coin becomes first Ghanaian meme coin to hit DEX Screener at $100K market cap
6 hours -
EC blames re-collation of disputed results on widespread lawlessness by party supporters
6 hours