An investigation has been launched after millions of dollars reportedly went missing from an account belonging to eight-time Olympic champion Usain Bolt.
Bolt’s manager, Nugent Walker, told the Gleaner that Jamaica’s Financial Investigations Division and Financial Services Commission are looking into the case at investment firm Stocks and Securities Limited (SSL). SSL is also understood to have called the police.
Walker said that Bolt first noticed what appeared to be discrepancies with his accounts at SSL on Wednesday. “All the relevant steps have been taken to come to the bottom of this,” Walker told the Gleaner, adding that due to the ongoing investigation he could not disclose the sums involved.
“He’s been with this entity over 10 years … His entire portfolio is being reviewed,” Walker said.
According to the Gleaner an SSL employee has been implicated in widespread fraud at the company, and may have been involved in the the developments surrounding Bolt.
A lawyer representing the unnamed employee told the Gleaner that her client had been talking with legal representatives of SSL for two weeks.
“My client is in discussion with SSL and the lawyers representing SSL,” she said.
Bolt is considered one of the greatest track athletes of all time and holds world records in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay. The 36-year-old retired in 2017, and has a number of lucrative sponsorship deals. In 2016 alone he earned $33m from sponsorship, prize money and appearances fees, making him easily the highest-earning track athlete in the world.