Medi Abalimba, notorious for posing as a Premier League footballer and swindling high-profile victims, has been jailed again after fleeing the UK. The scammer, featured in the Netflix documentary The Football Fraudster, was extradited from the United States after escaping the UK in early 2023, breaching his release conditions.
Abalimba used his fake footballer persona to deceive victims, including Thierry Henry’s ex-wife, Claire Merry, and Love Island contestant Georgia Steel. He convinced them to pay for extravagant trips, including luxury hotel stays and helicopter rides. His fraudulent activities led to multiple convictions over the years.
Originally jailed for four years in 2021, Abalimba’s freedom was short-lived. After breaching the terms of his release, he fled to the US, where authorities tracked him down using his new identity, Michi Jordan. He was arrested in a global operation involving Homeland Security and international police forces.
PC Sarah Baker from Derbyshire Police, who spearheaded the investigation, expressed relief at his capture. “Given his extensive history of fraud, there was genuine concern he might target new victims with his new identity,” she said. The US authorities, recognizing the gravity of his criminal history, quickly located and detained him.
Abalimba’s history of deception began during his football career, which saw him briefly play for several English clubs. He once commanded a £1m transfer fee but failed to meet expectations. In 2014, he was convicted of 12 counts of fraud after pretending to be French youth international Gael Kakuta. His subsequent prison sentences didn’t deter his fraudulent activities, leading to his latest conviction for 15 counts of fraud in 2021.
Now back in the UK, Abalimba will remain incarcerated until 2026. Police have expressed satisfaction with the successful extradition and arrest, ensuring that he cannot harm future victims. “Thanks to international cooperation, we’ve brought him back behind bars,” added PC Baker.
