The Return of "The Football Fraudster"
Medi Abalimba, a 35-year-old conman who gained international notoriety as "The Football Fraudster," is back behind bars after being caught in the United States. Known for his audacious scams targeting high-profile individuals, Abalimba has a history of impersonating Premier League football players to swindle thousands of pounds from unsuspecting victims. His most notable victims include Claire Merry, the ex-wife of Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, and Georgia Steel, a contestant from the popular reality show Love Island. Despite his repeated incarcerations, Abalimba’s criminal activities have continued to cause significant harm and disruption.
A Promising Start, a Troubled End
Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Abalimba moved to the UK at the age of five. His early life hinted at a promising future, particularly in football. He joined Derby County at a young age and later played for clubs such as Crystal Palace, Fulham, Oldham Athletic, and Southend United. Additionally, he had trials at Manchester United, Manchester City, and Liverpool, which seemed to pave the way for a lucrative career. However, by 2012, his football career began to decline, and he found himself working part-time at a taxi firm. It was during this period that he started his life of deception, initially posing as Chelsea player Gael Kakuta.
A Life of Deception and Luxury
Abalimba’s fraudulent activities were not just about the thrill of the con. They funded a lavish lifestyle that included stays at luxury hotels, helicopter trips, and extensive travel. His penchant for luxury and his ability to charm high-profile victims made him a formidable and elusive criminal. He began a relationship with Claire Merry, Thierry Henry’s ex-wife, and Georgia Steel, whom he met in a Mayfair nightclub. Both women were duped into believing he was a successful footballer, and he managed to steal significant sums from them. From Steel, he defrauded £13,000, while from Merry, the amount exceeded £50,000.
A Pattern of Criminal Behavior
Abalimba’s criminal history is long and well-documented. His first conviction for fraud-related offenses came in 2013, when he served six months in prison. However, his incarceration did little to deter him. In 2019, he was arrested again, and his relationship with Claire Merry came to light. Around the same time, it was revealed that he had also been in a relationship with Georgia Steel. The documentary "The Footballer Fraudster" aired on Netflix in July 2022, bringing his scams to a wider audience and shedding light on the traumatic experiences of his victims. Despite the publicity, Abalimba continued his fraudulent activities, leading to his next major conviction in 2021. He was sentenced to prison for 15 counts of fraud after stealing £160,000 from model Chloe Henry by impersonating a US Navy Seal.
An International Manhunt
Following his most recent conviction in early 2023, Abalimba breached the conditions of his license and fled the UK, sparking an international manhunt. Derbyshire Constabulary, working alongside forces around the world, including Homeland Security in the USA, tracked down the fraudster. PC Sarah Baker, who operates in the force’s International Liaison Office, discovered that Abalimba had changed his name to Michi Jordan and was traveling on a new passport. This change of identity did not help him evade the law for long. He was arrested in the USA on January 28, 2023, and extradited back to Britain the following day. Upon his return, he was promptly detained by UK police and recalled to prison, where he will remain until October 2026.
Reflections and Gratitude
Reflecting on the case, PC Sarah Baker emphasized the ongoing threat posed by Abalimba. "Given his extensive offending, there was a real concern that, armed with a new name, he could begin targeting new victims," she said. "However, the USA takes seriously foreign nationals who have not declared their criminal convictions, and he was quickly located and arrested by US authorities." The success of the manhunt is a testament to the collaborative efforts of international law enforcement agencies. "It has been a lengthy process to track him down and ensure he is brought back to the UK," Baker added, "but I am pleased that we have now managed to achieve this. I’m grateful to all those who have helped with tracking him down and ensuring that he is once again behind bars and cannot cause further misery to unsuspecting victims."
A Cautionary Tale
Abalimba’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of trusting too readily and the lengths to which some individuals will go to exploit others. His victims, including Claire Merry and Georgia Steel, have shared their traumatic experiences, highlighting the emotional and financial toll of his scams. While Abalimba’s football career may have never reached the heights he dreamed of, his legacy as a notorious conman will likely endure. The efforts of law enforcement to bring him to justice underscore the importance of global cooperation in combating such crimes and protecting potential victims from his deceptions.
