€12m fraud: Usain Bolt declares that he is not broke but a little rattled

Image: Switch Nigeria

Contrary to the rumours making the rounds, Usain Bolt has refuted claims of being broke after losing €12m to fraudsters. He was rumoured to have only $12,000 left in his bank account, a claim he just refuted.

After weeks that his company was defrauded, Bolt just commented on the case for the first time this weekend. He spoke about it while speaking at a luncheon for the Gibson McCook Relays at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel.

"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.

"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."

The background story of the fraud case

Usain Bolt, the greatest sprinter of all time, finished his career with eight Olympic golds, 11 World Championship titles, and nearly unbeatable records in the 100m and 200m. He made he gained popularity at the 2008 Beijing Olympics when he tore the 100m field apart. He, however, retired after an illustrious career in 2017.

Today, he is not a happy man in retirement because he is the highest-profile victim in a three-billion-dollar fraud case. The fraud affected more than 40 clients, as the 12.7 million dollars he had invested in a Stocks and Securities Limited account has reportedly dwindled to just 12,000 dollars.

The Jamaican government has asked the FBI to step in to help its investigations as they look to get to the bottom of this.

"Let's give it time and see what will happen," Bolt added.

"For me it's tough, but I think the years of competing helped me to understand and just focus.

"I leave the matter in my lawyers' hands and I am just trying to focus on my family and try not to think too much about it because it's a stressful situation."

Source: marca.com

Usain Bolt

Fraud

€12m fraud

FBI

Stocks and Securities Limited