Former CFL player Richard Karikari charged with financial crimes

Photo: Richard Karikari/Facebook

Former CFL player Richard Karikari has been charged with financial crimes stemming from his recent work with the Ajax Soccer Club.

In a recent press release, the Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) announced that its financial crimes unit conducted a comprehensive investigation into the Ajax Soccer Club after receiving reports of banking transaction irregularities in December 2024.

The DRPS claim the investigation, which included the analysis of several years of financial statements, determined that more than $650,000 of league funds were transferred to various accounts in 2023 and 2024.

Karikari was subsequently charged with fraud over $5,000, possession of proceeds of crime, and breach of trust. According to his LinkedIn page, Karikari served as the general manager of the Ajax Soccer Club from 2019 to 2024.

Vicki Scott was also charged with fraud over $5,000, launder proceeds of crime, and breach of trust. None of the allegations against Karikari or Scott have been tested in court.

The Ajax Soccer Club released a statement after charges were laid, clarifying that neither Karikari nor Scott have had any affiliation with the organization since 2024.

“As Ajax’s only sanctioned non-profit soccer club, serving thousands of players and families, our priority remains providing a safe, inclusive, and positive environment for our members. The protection of our participants, volunteers, and community is paramount, and we take these responsibilities seriously,” wrote the organization.

“Ajax Soccer Club fully respects and supports the work of law enforcement and will continue to cooperate with any lawful requests related to ongoing investigations. We encourage anyone with information relevant to these matters to contact the Durham Regional Police Service directly or Crime Stoppers.

“We recognize that these developments may raise questions within the community. We want to reassure our members, families, sponsors, and community partners that the Ajax Soccer Club operating today is led by an entirely different governance and management team than those referenced in the allegations.”

Karikari played six seasons in the CFL as a member of the Montreal Alouettes, Hamilton Tiger-Cats, and Calgary Stampeders.

The five-foot-ten, 204-pound defensive back recorded 143 total tackles, 13 interceptions, two fumble recoveries, and one sack over 91 career regular-season CFL games. The native of Ghana, who was raised in Pickering, Ont., was named All-CFL in 2005 and won a Grey Cup in his final season in 2008. He was originally a second-round pick in the 2003 CFL Draft.

The 47-year-old played collegiately at St. Francis Xavier University, where he was named a first-team U Sports All-Canadian in 2002. He was inducted in the St. FX Sports Hall of Fame in 2022.