Jamaican sprinting legend Usain Bolt has marked the one-year milestone since the financial controversy involving investment firm Stocks and Securities Limited (SSL).
In a 22-second video shared across his social media platforms on Thursday, the retired world record holder cryptically stated, “One year ago today, but just know still a hold firm.”
The reference is believed to tie into the anniversary of the multi-billion-dollar fraud at SSL, where millions reportedly vanished from Bolt’s account, prompting a comprehensive fraud investigation.
While Bolt didn’t explicitly address the SSL fraud in his social media post, he expressed gratitude to his supporters.”Just want to let you know I’m still here, still fighting the fight, holding on, always going to stay strong. You know how the country youths do it,” he said.
Acknowledging the backing from his fans, Bolt concluded his message with a peace sign gesture, “To all the people supporting me, continue to support. It’s nothing but love, alright.”
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Notably, Usain Bolt has taken legal action against SSL through his company Welljen Limited, with the case currently residing in the Civil Division of the Supreme Court in downtown Kingston.
What’s the latest on SSL?
Jean-Ann Panton, a former wealth advisor at SSL, is the only person charged so far in connection to the incident, which made headlines on January 12, 2023.
On December 6, 2023, Jean-Ann Panton made her latest court appearance via video link at the Home Circuit Court in downtown Kingston. Coincidentally, that same morning, the Financial Investigations Division (FID) issued a statement revealing that over 200 affected accounts and a staggering US$30 million were linked to fraudulent activities within SSL clients’ funds.
The FID’s ongoing probe has unearthed “potential criminal and regulatory breaches” involving both SSL and individuals associated with it, distinct from the existing court case involving Panton. In the same month, the FID submitted a file to Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Paula Llewellyn. However, as of now, there is no information on whether she has recommended charging other individuals with criminal offenses related to the case.
Panton, facing charges for her alleged involvement in the SSL fraud, is accused of multiple violations of the Larceny Act, the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA), the Forgery Act, and the Cyber Crimes Act. A case management hearing is scheduled to continue on May 27, 2024, with Panton remaining in custody until then.
Usain Bolt, one of the over 200 investors impacted by the fraud, has not been explicitly mentioned in the 23 official statements received by the FID from affected individuals and entities. Despite the substantial scale of the alleged fraud and numerous appeals, it remains uncertain whether the retired sprinter is among those who have provided statements to investigators regarding the case.
