Imbalambala, Mugalia caught up in extortion ring
Former AFC Leopards skipper Martin Imbalambala has been shocked to find out that a fraudster has been using his name to extort money from unsuspecting Ingwe fans.
Apparently, some clever chap has been capitalizing on the dire financial constraints currently at the Leopards’ den to make quick cash.
According to Imbalambala, the fraudster has been calling fans telling them to help him out as he does not have money and many fans who fallen prey to the swindler by sending out help out of their love for their club.
Investigations by Nairobi News have confirmed that indeed several people have transferred money to the impostor through mobile money transfer service M-Pesa.
However, the most interesting bit is the name of the recipient displayed on the M-Pesa transaction message which bears the name of former Sofapaka striker Bob Mugalia.
“A number of fans who fell victim to the fraudster asked me what was going on and I was shocked because I have never called or asked anyone to call on my behalf asking for money. Yesterday, one of the fans who had been duped by the conman fraudster forwarded me the M-Pesa message and I was shocked with the name of the recipient,” Imbalambala said.
“I don’t know how true the issue is but I have already reported the same to the police. I don’t believe a fellow player can be behind it,” the lanky midfielder added.
FOCUSED ON CITY DERBY
When contacted for comment, Mugalia was just as surprised.
“I have never done that and I can’t have the guts to fleece money from a fellow player. I have also not heard anyone asking me of the same so it is very strange,” the Congolese-turned Kenyan said.
Interestingly, calls made to the number on Truecaller, brings out the name ‘Bill’.
“I don’t want other fans to fall prey to such schemes and I want to caution anyone who receives a call from anyone purporting to be me asking for money that they should not send it,” he added.
However, the fraud allegations aside, Imbalambala is fully focused on the much anticipated fixture against Gor Mahia on Sunday which will be his 13th Mashemeji derby since joining Ingwe.
The utility player is just returning from suspension after he was accused of absconding training and leading players in taking money from a rebel group led by Mathews Opwora.
“Up to today, I have never understood those accusations and why I was singled out. Many players absconded training because of lack of payment. It was a hard time for me being out of the team and I was very discouraged. However, I have put all that behind me and I am working hard to gain fitness and be at the same level with the others,” he added.