‘I’m not broke’: Usain Bolt breaks silence amid R200m fraud case

Jamaican Olympian Usain Bolt has broken his silence following reports more than $12.7 million (about R218 million) was stolen from his account with a private investment company called Stocks & Securities Limited (SSL).

According to the Associated Press, Bolt’s lawyer Linton P Gordon said that the retired athlete had $12.8 million, but only $12 000 (about R206 000) now reflects in the account.

ALSO READ: CONFIRMED: Usain Bolt lost R200m, SSL given 10 days to return it

USAIN BOLT SPEAKS ON FRAUD CASE, SAYS HE IS NOT BROKE

Speaking about the case for the first time at the weekend during a luncheon for the Gibson McCook Relays at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel, Bolt said this is a sad and disappointing situation.

“It’s always going to be a sad situation for anybody to lose what they have worked hard for,” Bolt told the Jamaica Observer.

“That is a sad situation and I am definitely disappointed. I don’t want to say too much but, as we know, from everybody’s standpoint it doesn’t look good.

ALSO READ: Usain Bolt: FBI asked to help investigate R200m fraud case

The eight-time Olympian said that he was confused about the situation. In addition, he cleared the air on claims he is broke.

“I’ve read a few comments and everybody is confused. I am as confused as the public, but we’ll see what happens.

“No, I’m not broke, but it has definitely put a damper on me.

“It was for my future. Everybody knows I have three kids, I am still looking after my parents, and I still want to live very well,” he said.

JAMAICAN GOVERNMENT ENLISTS THE FBI’S HELP

Last week, The Guardian reported that the Jamaican government had asked for the FBI’s assistance in investigating the case.

The publication reported that the fraud lasted 13 years at the Kingston-based company, with elderly clients and government agencies also being scammed.

Jamaican Finance Minister Nigel Clarke said that government also asked other international partners for help in investigating what it calls “one of the island’s largest fraud cases”. However, he did not want to identify who the partners are.

“The anger and unease we all feel have been magnified by the long duration – 13 years – over which the fraud was allegedly perpetrated, and the fact that the (suspects) seemed to have deliberately and heartlessly targeted elderly persons, as well as our much-loved and respected national icon … Usain Bolt,” Clarke was quoted as saying.