Two individuals working at Ajax FC Soccer Club face charges for allegedly embezzling more than $650,000 from the league’s finances, as reported by Durham police. Vicki Scott, 50, from Whitby, Ont., and Richard Karikari, 47, from Ajax, Ont., are individually accused of fraud over $5,000 and breach of trust, according to a police statement released on Wednesday. Additionally, Scott faces charges of money laundering, while Karikari is charged with possessing proceeds of a crime.
Authorities launched a financial crimes investigation in December 2024 after noticing discrepancies in the soccer club’s financial transactions. The probe, which scrutinized several years of financial records, uncovered that over $650,000 from the league’s funds had been transferred to various accounts between early 2023 and 2024.
Both accused served at the Ajax FC Soccer Club as executive director and general manager, respectively. Karikari’s LinkedIn profile indicates his tenure as General Manager at the club from 2019 to 2024. The police mentioned that the accused have been released on an undertaking, mandating their appearance in court at a specified time with potential restrictions.
According to a statement from Ajax Soccer Club, Scott and Karikari have had no association with the club since 2024. The club emphasized that its current leadership, including the board of directors and executive team, is disconnected from the accused individuals and the ongoing police investigation. The club highlighted significant changes in governance and leadership since 2024, focusing on transparency, accountability, and responsible management.
In response to inquiries, Ajax Soccer Club did not provide further details on Scott and Karikari’s past involvement with the club. The Durham Region Soccer Association (DRSA) promptly suspended Karikari from soccer activities in the region following the fraud charges. As for Scott, there is no indication of her continued participation in local soccer activities.
Karikari’s affiliation as vice president of FC Durham Academy, offering youth soccer programs and competitive team training, was noted. However, FC Durham Academy did not respond to queries regarding Karikari’s current status. Whitby FC clarified that Scott had volunteered as an on-field manager but was not employed there. The executive director confirmed that Scott’s volunteer role ended in 2022.
Authorities urge anyone with relevant information to contact them or provide anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers.
