‘I have to say something’: Having lost US millions in SSL scandal, Bolt now losing patience
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Legendary sprinter Usain Bolt has expressed frustration over the ongoing struggle to recover millions of US dollars swindled from his investment account at scandal-hit Stocks and Securities Limited (SSL).
Speaking on The Fix, Bolt revealed that despite continued discussions, he is yet to receive his money.
“Mi nuh get back mi money people so stop see me and ask me,” the eight-time Olympic gold medallist told hosts of the popular podcast.
The SSL scandal erupted in January 2023 when reports surfaced that billions of dollars, including investments from the track superstar, had gone missing from clients’ accounts. The revelation rocked the financial sector and triggered an investigation by law enforcement and the Financial Services Commission (FSC). Bolt’s impacted account reportedly held over US$12 million at the time.
Discussing the matter with hosts Orane ‘Naro’ Hart, Arianne Hammond and Javielle Martin, Bolt hinted that legal action might be on the table.
“There are a lot of things floating around but at some point we have to figure out something and make a move because you can’t just lose all of that like that. Is a lot of running hours that,” he said.
In terms of progress, Bolt made it clear he is not satisfied, saying “It nah get nowhere that I can be happy with the direction it’s going. I’m not happy, but something has to happen, something have to fix.”
Despite the high-profile nature of the case, Bolt has been cautious about speaking out publicly to avoid tarnishing Jamaica’s reputation.
“Because of who I am, a lot of international people have called and asked if I want to speak, and I have said ‘no, in time’. Even when I do things, I say we can’t speak about this because at the end of the day, if I speak about this, it’s going to hurt Jamaica. It’s going to come down, and everybody is going to look and say ‘jah jah’. So mi try avoid that as much over the two years,” he said.
However, the retired track star said his patience is running out.
“At some point, I have to say something, because if I don’t… clearly it looks like if I don’t say anything or apply some pressure, mi nah get back anything,” he said.
Noting that the ordeal has affected his trust in other financial institutions, Bolt said, “Now I have to be careful. Now I have to look at everybody sideways,” he shared.
He added that he has had conversations with government representatives and suggested he may have to escalate the issue internationally if no progress is made.
“If I have to talk about this every day, I will,” Bolt declared.