Usain Bolt, a Jamaican sprinter, said to reporters on Friday that he is perplexed by the disappearance of $12.7 million of his funds from a local private investment business that police are looking into as part of a major scam that started more than ten years ago.
Bolt said that the break with his business manager was not pleasant and that he had sacked him.
The former professional athlete chuckled when someone inquired whether he was “broke”.
I’m not broke, but it has certainly made me feel worse, he said. “I needed it for my future. Everyone is aware of my three children. I still wish to live extremely well while watching care for my parents.
According to Bolt’s lawyers, his account with Kingston-based Stocks and Securities Limited dropped from around $12.8 million to just under $12,000. The corporation had been given until Friday to repay the funds, failing which they would take legal and criminal action.
As of late Friday, it was unclear if any action had been taken. After being contacted for comment, lawyer Linton P. Gordon did not respond.
He advised the people to prepare for both the “anticipated and the unexpected” in the case, according to the Jamaica Observer newspaper.
He was cited as adding, “Given what is occurring, there is nothing to say at this point.” “We have talked with people and are addressing certain issues.”
The Bank of Jamaica will now be in charge of overseeing the island’s financial industry, Jamaican Finance Minister Nigel Clarke revealed earlier this week. The Financial Services Commission’s director is resigning.
He said that in addition to several government organizations, the suspected scam also impacted senior citizens.
The scenario is usually depressing. Absolutely disappointed,” Bolt added in reference to the elderly individuals impacted. “Everyone is perplexed. Like the general populace, I’m perplexed.
The FBI and other unnamed foreign specialists have been asked for assistance by Jamaican officials, who have also claimed that consumers were provided incorrect information about their balances as part of the suspected scam. Officials have not yet disclosed the exact number of customers impacted or the amount of money lost.
Bolt mentioned the suspected scam earlier on Friday when speaking at a sponsored luncheon for an upcoming relay.
As you are all aware. I’ve had a terrible week, or a few rough weeks,” he said, adding that he would keep working as hard as he could to improve his island.
“Jamaica is my nation, no matter what is happening right now. That won’t alter at all, he said.
I’m just trying to concentrate on my family and trying not to worry too much about it because it’s a tough situation, he remarked in a side conversation with reporters.
A message requesting response sent on Friday was not answered by Stocks and Securities Limited. Earlier this month, the firm notified the police that a management seemed to have engaged in fraud.
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said earlier this week that his government will not save the business.
He said, “Neither will the government socialize any debt, nor will we socialize the downfall of our banks.”
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