Olympic champion Usain Bolt is seeking to recoup more than $12.7 million (roughly R2 billion) that vanished from his account with a Jamaican investment firm and is willing to go to court if necessary, according to Bolt’s attorney.
Bolt was informed last week that his account balance at Kingston-based Stocks and Securities Ltd (SSL) had mysteriously dwindled to just $12,000, according to lawyer Linton Gordon late on Tuesday.
“We will take the matter to court,” Gordon said if the company does not return the funds.
“It’s a huge disappointment, and we’re hoping that the situation can be resolved so that Mr. Bolt can get his money back and live in peace.”
SSL said in a statement on Jan. 12 that it had become aware of fraudulent activity by a former employee and had notified law enforcement, adding that it had taken steps to secure assets and strengthen protocols.
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SSL did not immediately respond to an email or phone call requesting additional information.
On Monday, the Jamaica Constabulary Force announced that its fraud and financial investigation teams were looking into “alleged fraudulent activities at (SSL) that are said to have affected the accounts of Mr. Usain Bolt and other individuals.”
SSL allegedly committed “alarming and evil fraud,” according to Finance Minister Nigel Clarke, and authorities will “bring all perpetrators to justice.”
Gordon stated that Bolt’s account was intended to serve as a pension for the eight-time Olympic gold medalist sprinter and his parents.
Bolt retired in 2017 after dominating global sprinting for a decade, reviving a doping-plagued sport and becoming a household name in the same way that Brazilian soccer legend Pele and American boxing champion Muhammad Ali were.
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