In London 2012 Usain Bolt set an impressive record. Photo: World Athletics.
Lawyers for Usain Bolt, the eight-time Olympic sprint champion, have revealed that more than $12.7 million has disappeared from an account he held at a private investment firm in his native Jamaica and that the island’s authorities are doing research.
Attorney Linton P. Gordon provided The Associated Press a copy of the letter sent to Stocks & Securities Limited in which the return of the money is claimed.
Gordon said Bolt’s account once had $12.8 million, but now reflects a balance of just $12,000.
“If this is correct, and we trust that it is not the case, it is a serious act of fraud and theft or a combination of both perpetrated against our clientBolt’s lawyers said in the letter.
They threatened civil and criminal appeals if the money is not returned within 10 days.
Stocks & Securities Limited He did not immediately respond to a request for comment. On its website, the company asks all customers to direct urgent inquiries to the Jamaica Utilities Commission, the entity that investigates the fund.
“We understand that customers are eager for more information, and we can assure you that we are closely monitoring the situation, that the necessary steps have been taken, and that we will alert our customers to a resolution as soon as the information is available,” the company said.
The firm said it discovered the fraud earlier this month and several of its clients could have lost millions of dollars.
Jamaica’s finance minister, Nigel Clarke, called the situation alarming but said it was unusual. “It is tempting to question our financial institutionsbut I would ask that an entire hard-working industry not be stained like this by what was committed by a few dishonest individuals,” he said.
Bolt’s lawyers sent the letter on Monday, the same day the Jamaica Financial Services Commission announced that it had appointed a special auditor to investigate allegations of fraud in Stocks & Securities Limitedbased in the capital Kingston.
On Tuesday, financial authorities said they had taken provisional control of the investment firm. You will be allowed to operate, but you will need to receive government endorsement to complete any type of transaction.
Bolt, who retired in 2017, is the owner of the world records in the 100 and 200 meters, as well as the 4×100 relay.
(Taken from Los Angeles Times)