Medi Abalimba, ‘The Football Fraudster’ from a Netflix show, is back in jail after fleeing the UK. He scammed Thierry Henry’s ex-wife.
He conned people out of lots of money, with victims funding his luxury trips and hotels. A Netflix documentary featured his scams; it was called ‘The Football Fraudster’. Thierry Henry’s ex, Claire Merry, and Georgia Steel from Love Island, were also victims.
Abalimba, age 35, has prior fraud convictions, including one for swindling a taxi firm for almost £10,000. He received four years for his latest fraud conviction, but then fled the UK in early 2023, breaking his license terms.
Police learned he went abroad, prompting Derbyshire Constabulary to hunt him down. PC Sarah Baker aided the international search and discovered he changed his name, using a new passport under “Michi Jordan.”
Police forces worldwide and Homeland Security in the USA helped locate him, resulting in Abalimba’s re-arrest. PC Baker expressed concern that he might target new victims, highlighting his new identity as a significant worry.
The USA takes undeclared crimes seriously, with US authorities quickly finding and arresting him. Abalimba was sent back to the UK on January 28 and arrested the following day. He will remain in prison until October 2026.
PC Baker said Abalimba lives a deceptive life, continuing his scams even after jail. Tracking him was a long process, and she thanked international police for their work, ensuring his return to jail so he can no longer harm people.