Opposition Spokesperson for Finance Julian Robinson, is pressing the Government to provide transparency regarding the full financial burden borne by taxpayers concerning investigations into the substantial fraud case at Stocks and Securities Limited (SSL).

The call comes amid reports that the Government has assumed responsibility for covering the staff costs and administrative expenses at SSL.

“We would like to know the total cost to taxpayers for this SSL investigation. In addition to the staff salaries cost, what is the cost of retaining the receiver/manager and his team? What is the cost of the international forensic firm Kroll Associates, and whether all these costs are being covered by the Government?” Robinson demanded.

He noted that taxpayers have a right to full disclosure, especially since taxpayer funds are funding these investigations.

Additionally, the Opposition spokesperson would like the Finance Minister to provide a projection for how long the Government anticipates covering these costs and whether there are provisions within the current budget to accommodate these expenditures.

SSL is under investigation after it was reported that multiple accounts were defrauded, most notably that of Olympic champion and retired sprint legend Usain Bolt. According to the 36-year-old’s attorneys, he was defrauded US$12.7 million, which they said was in his SSL account up to October last year.