Jamaican athlete Usain Bolt said he felt “sad and disappointed” after losing part of his fortune in a massive fraudwhich has not left him bankrupt but has hit his finances hard.
The athlete’s account at Jamaica-based investment firm Stocks and Securities Limited (SSL) was reduced from $12.7 million to $12,000 at the beginning of the year, in a case of fraud that affects dozens of clients.
“I’m not broke, but (the losses) have definitely hit me,” said the eight-time Olympic champion, according to statements published this Saturday by the Jamaica Observer newspaper.
Bolt explained that these funds were for his future and that of his family, remembering that he has three children and that he takes care of his parents.
“It is always going to be a sad situation for anyone to lose what they have worked hard for. That is a sad situation and I am definitely disappointed.“he added.
Faced with this situation, Bolt reported that he has dismissed his financial manager.
His remarks coincided with the expiration of a 10-day ultimatum that his lawyers gave to SSL management. to return the athlete’s money.
In this regard, Bolt pointed out that he has left the matter “in the hands” of his lawyers because this situation is “difficult” for him. “I’m just trying to focus on my family and trying not to think about it too much because it’s a stressful situation,” he added.
The company has been involved in a fraud that, to date, hhas reached 3,000 million dollars, which has led the Government of Jamaica to request international assistance to recover any assets or products.