Two individuals who worked at the Ajax FC Soccer Club face charges after allegedly defrauding over $650,000 from league funds, according to Durham police.
Vicki Scott, 50, from Whitby, Ont., and Richard Karikari, 47, from Ajax, Ont., are both charged with fraud over $5,000 and breach of trust, based on a police news release issued Wednesday.
Scott also faces charges for laundering proceeds of crime, while Karikari is charged with possession of proceeds from a crime, as stated in the release.
The police’s Financial Crimes Unit began investigating fraud in December 2024 after receiving reports about unusual banking activities related to the soccer club.
This investigation analyzed several years of financial records and uncovered that over $650,000 was transferred from the soccer club to various accounts between early 2023 and 2024, according to police.
CBC Toronto attempted to contact Scott via Linked In and reached out to Karikari by phone but received no replies from either party.
The accused held positions as executive director and general manager at Ajax FC Soccer Club respectively. Karikari’s Linked In profile indicates he served as General Manager for the club from 2019 until 2024.
Police reported that both individuals were released on an undertaking – a legal document requiring them to attend court at specific times while possibly including conditions that require or prohibit certain actions.
Accused No Longer Affiliated with Club Since 2024
According to a statement released Wednesday by the club, neither Scott nor Karikari has been associated with Ajax Soccer Club in any role since 2024.
The statement emphasized that current board members, executives, staff members, coaches, volunteers and players “have no association with these individuals and are not involved in the matters that are the subject of the police investigation.”
“Since 2024, Ajax Soccer Club has undergone significant leadership and governance changes,” said the statement.
“The organization is operating under a new Board of Directors and executive team committed to transparency, accountability, strong governance, and responsible stewardship of the club.”
CBC Toronto sought clarification from Ajax Soccer Club regarding Scott’s and Karikari’s roles within the organization but did not receive a response.
The Ajax Soccer Club provides recreational and competitive youth soccer programs sanctioned by Ontario Soccer, Canada Soccer as well as Durham Region Soccer Association.
Following news of criminal charges for fraud being filed against Karikari on Wednesday morning , DRSA promptly suspended him from all soccer-related activities throughout Durham Region according to their statement.“To our knowledge Vicki Scott is no longer involved in soccer in our District.”.
Karikari currently holds vice president position at FC Durham Academy which offers youth recreational soccer programs along with training for competitive teams ranging from U13 through U17.
CBC Toronto attempted reaching out to FC Durham Academy concerning whether Karikari remains involved but did not get any reply.
Scott volunteered previously as an on-field manager at Whitby FC; however she was never employed there per its executive director Bill Sidsworth.
“Vicki has not been involved with Whitby FC in any capacity since she was a parent volunteer back in 2022,” noted Sidsworth.
Police urge anyone possessing information regarding this case contact them directly or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers.
Source link
