Former CEO of SSL Zachary Harding declares innocence following charges

 

Businessmen and former Chief Executive Office of the failed investment firm, Stocks and Securities Limited (SSL), Zachary Harding, is declaring his innocence, following his arrest and charge by investigators probing the alleged multi-billion dollar fraud at the company.

 

The Financial Investigations Division (FID) reported that Mr. Harding, SSL founding director Hugh Croskery and Croskery's daughter, Sarah Meany, were arrested and charged with breaching key laws governing the financial sector on Saturday.

 

In a statement issued Monday night through his attorney King's Counsel Jacqueline Samuels-Brown, Mr. Harding said that based on the questioning and information provided by investigators, there was no allegation that he was the beneficiary of or involved in any way in the misappropriation of funds or theft of money from Usain Bolt's account or those of any other SSL clients.

 

Mr. Harding stated that while at SSL he acted above board.

 

Mrs. Samuels-Brown said official records from the Financial Services Commission (FSC) and the Bank of Jamaica will confirm that during Mr. Harding's tenure, he prioritised legal and regulatory compliance. 

 

She said he maintained open communication with regulators, adhered to their directives and acted under the guidance of reputable legal counsel and independent external auditors. 

 

According to the attorney, Mr. Harding proactively engaged the FSC, implemented clear corrective plans and worked under their ongoing oversight to address long-standing issues that existed before his involvement with SSL. 

 

Mrs. Samuels-Brown said her client has rejected claims linking him to any wrongdoing and urged the public to refrain from spreading false hoods and misinformation.