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It seems not even celebrities and big stars are safe from financial scams nowadays. In fact, 8-time gold medalist and track legend Usain Bolt is a victim himself. He had invested a lucrative amount for his future via a Welljen account to invest funds in Stocks and Securities Limited (SSL). But in January 2023, it came to his notice that nearly $12.8 million had been embezzled from that sum. Now, 2 years down the line, he has some choice words regarding those who were involved.
Soon after the shocking discovery, Bolt found out that a total of $30 million worth of investments with the Kingston-based SSL had resulted in fraud. Now, soon after the news came to the forefront, Bolt was assured by the government of prompt action. And they also launched an extensive investigation into the same. Unfortunately, things didn’t turn out as expected at all.
It has been two years since the fraud took place. But Usain Bolt is yet to have any of his questions answered. The Jamaican legend confessed about receiving international calls and trying to dive deeper into the matter. However, as he himself said in an episode of The Fix Productions, Bolt usually remained silent. That is, of course, up until now.
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Moreover, when such a big scam can happen with a renowned name like Bolt, then the common people are bound to feel extremely vulnerable. Thus, without trying to dig much deeper, the host wanted an update on the case from Bolt. Sadly, the update the Jamaican legend had was not at all exciting. Bolt reflected that the banking system is supposed to be one of the most secure and safe financial institutions in a country.
And while there might be small lapses in the sector, the amount of fraud cannot be so massive. “But the progress is—is nothing I really make. It’s been two years, and we not really hear much really come, you know? We can see where the progress is making, where it looked like, say it,” said Bolt, speaking on the amount of progress made on the case. Initially, the star wanted to keep his belief in the government and wait patiently.
However, with no significant evidence of progress gathered, the matter is looking quite gloomy for Bolt. He said, “Leave it to the bank, you, and the courts, and see if the government want get involved on them something and try help out.” The frustration is evident in the champ’s mind as he tries in vain to recover his savings.
He further continues, “We leave it up to them, but that team says, ‘Yo, we start do something.’ Two years now, and know we not getting a positive feedback from nothing, from nobody.” It is pretty bleak to see how callous the authorities have been in their approach but Bolt is still trying to claim what belongs to him. In fact, his attorney is trying his best as well, making all the legal decisions.
Usain Bolt tries to be optimistic amid the major financial fiasco
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Speaking on The Fix podcast, Bolt made it clear that he isn’t stressing over national hero titles or external recognition. “We always try to uplift Jamaica and put a positive spin out there because, you know, other people always talk and it’s always negative energy. So we just try to put Jamaica on the map in a positive way,” he said. That perspective remains unchanged despite last year’s poll, where Bob Marley was named Jamaica’s greatest national hero over him.
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His words reflect his resilience. The attitude that he once forged on the track is now being tested in an entirely different arena. With a career built on sheer determination, Bolt knows what it takes to rise above adversity. Even as headlines continue to highlight the financial blow, the undefeated champion remains steadfast in his mission to inspire.
The legend may have lost millions, but his spirit remains unshaken. His focus has shifted from the finish line to a larger purpose—putting Jamaica in a positive light, no matter the odds. And for Usain Bolt, that victory holds more weight than any race he’s ever run.
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Is the lack of progress in Bolt's case a reflection of broader issues in financial security?
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Is the lack of progress in Bolt's case a reflection of broader issues in financial security?
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