[b] A former footballer who committed
fraud by impersonating Chelsea
youngster Gael Kakuta has been
sentenced to four years in prison.
Medi Abalimba, himself a former
footballer with Derby County,
Fulham, Crystal Palace, Oldham Athletic and Southend United,
was found guilty at Manchester Crown Court on Wednesday of
multiple fraud offences totalling approximately €67,000.
When his own once promising football career fizzled out,
Abalimba sought to maintain the lavish lifestyle of a top-level
professional by masquerading as Kakuta, a France Under-21
international currently on loan from Chelsea with Spanish side
Rayo Vallecano.
Abalimba used his assumed identity - combined with stolen
credit card details - to gain VIP treatment at nightclubs, eat at
expensive restaurants, stay in boutique hotels, order designer
clothes, travel everywhere in chauffeur-driven limousines and
woo women.
Sergeant Adam Cronshaw told reporters: "Having spoken with
many of the victims in this case it appears that Abalimba is a
charming and charismatic individual who was able to call on
his previous football experience and the fact he bears some
resemblance to the real Gael Kakuta to deceive them.
"He was able to trick most people he came across and grew in
confidence the longer the charade continued. He became so
skilled in lies and deceit that his character went from being
plausible to unquestionable.
"I'm glad we were able to catch him and prevent further loss to
other potential victims as he showed no signs of halting his
activity. I hope more businesses are now aware of this scam
and have the necessary security measures in place to prevent
similar occurrences."[/b]