The Football Fraudster, available to stream on Netflix and ITVX, tells the story of career criminal and serial imposter, Medi Abalimba. The impersonation scammer, who counted a famous footballer and US Navy Seal among his aliases, conned multiple people including female celebrities Georgia Steele, of Love Island fame, and Claire Merry, Thierry Henry’s ex-wife.
Reminiscent of the Tinder Swindler, Abalimba, lived a lavish lifestyle with designer clothes, supercars, private members clubs and five-star Mayfair hotels. However, it was all funded by concierge companies taken in by the conman, and the women he dated, whose bank details he was alleged to have stolen.
So, who is the Football Fraudster, Medi Abalimba?
Born in Congo, Abalimba, now aged 34, came to the UK aged five. A talented footballer, he earned a place in Southend’s under-16 programme. However, it later transpired he’d lied about his age and was actually 19 years old when he played for the youth team.
Success, including trials for major Premier League football clubs followed, and ultimately culminated in Abalimba enjoying a stint at Derby County. Unfortunately, his lucrative career was cut short when he was injured, but Abalimba wasn’t ready to let go of his footballing dream and lifestyle.
Who did he impersonate and who did he scam?
Abalimba’s most notable scams included impersonating Chelsea footballer Gael Kakuta, an American footballer, a sports agent and a U.S. Navy seal.
He tricked different travel and concierge companies into chauffeuring him around, and even paying his hotel bills, by convincing them he could introduce them to more famous clients.
He also targeted women — including Love Island’s Georgia Steel, and model Claire Merry — duping them into relationships whilst simultaneously emptying their bank accounts.
Why did he do it?
In the documentary, forensic psychologist Donna Youngs dissects his crimes, giving her insight into the type of offender he is. Whilst Abalimba denied some of the claims made in the documentary he accepted that the demise of his football career led to some of his actions which resulted in multiple convictions. He expressed remorse, commenting, “The way I dealt with falling short of my dreams wasn’t right. I sincerely apologise to everyone I lied to and used.”
Commenting on the Football Fraudster, Jessica Hampson, CEL Solicitors CEO, said: “Sadly, as shocking as this case will seem to many, it’s not uncommon. CEL Solicitors has acted for thousands of scam victims including those who’ve been targeted by fraudsters posing online as celebrities.
“I applaud Georgia Steel, and others, for sharing their experience which will go some way towards breaking the stigma associated with romance and impersonation scams. Many people feel shame at having been taken in by scammers but it really can happen to anyone as this documentary proves.”
