Olympic champion Usain Bolt wants to get back more than $12.7 million that went missing from his account with a Jamaican investment firm. Bolt’s lawyer says Bolt is ready to go to court if that is what it takes to get the money back.
Bolt was alerted last week that his account balance at Kingston-based Stocks and Securities Ltd (SSL) had mysteriously dropped to $12,000, according to Bolt’s attorney, Linton Gordon.
“We will be going to court with the matter” if the company does not return the funds, Gordon said.
“It is a grave disappointment, and we are hoping that the matter will be resolved in a way that Mr. Bolt will recover his money and be able to live in peace.”
SSL stated in a statement released on January 12 that it had learned of fraudulent behaviour by a former employee and had forwarded the situation to law enforcement, adding that it has taken efforts to secure assets and enhance standards.
SSL did not immediately respond to emails or phone calls for additional comment.
Monday, the Jamaica Constabulary Force announced that its fraud and financial investigation teams were investigating “alleged fraudulent activities at (SSL) that are alleged to have affected the accounts of Mr. Usain Bolt, among others.”
Tuesday night, Finance Minister Nigel Clarke stated that SSL had reportedly committed “alarming and evil fraud” and that authorities will “bring all perpetrators to justice.”
Gordon stated that Bolt’s account was meant to act as a pension for the eight-time Olympic gold champion and his parents.
Bolt retired in 2017 after dominating the worldwide sprinting scene for a decade, revitalising a sport ravaged by doping problems and becoming a household name like Pele and Ali.
