American skateboarder Jason Vanporppal says he was allegedly scammed out of R25 000 meant for a children’s skatepark project in Uganda.

Vanporppal recently made headlines after completing a 5,900 km skateboard journey from Uganda to Cape Town.

The journey was linked to his fundraising campaign to help build Uganda’s first public skatepark.

According to Cape Town Etc, the money at the centre of the alleged scam came from a brand partnership and was meant to support the skatepark project.

Vanporppal shared the claim in an emotional video posted on social media.

“Okay guys, so this is a video I never thought I would make, but I’m just gonna say it right here. I got scammed,” he said.

Volunteer accused of withholding money

Vanporppal said a woman who had offered to help him secure sponsorships for the fundraiser allegedly took the money and failed to hand it over.

He said he had only met the woman over the phone.

“So long story short, there was this lady that was helping me out, trying to help me raise money, get sponsorships to put into the GoFundMe for these kids,” he said.

Vanporppal said he expected the sponsorship money to be transferred into the fundraising campaign.

He said the woman offered to receive the money first and then pass it on to him.

He now says he regrets trusting her.

Partners not blamed

Vanporppal stressed that the sponsoring company and the Winnie Mabaso Foundation were not involved in the alleged incident.

He described both as supportive partners during his journey.

He said the woman later became evasive when he asked about the missing money.

According to Vanporppal, she gave several explanations, including saying she was ill or that her phone had been stolen.

“Every time I checked up on the money, she’d say, ‘Jason, I hope you don’t think I’m a thief,’” he said.

Vanporppal demands repayment

Vanporppal has now taken the matter public and directly appealed for the money to be returned.

“You have 24 hours to return this R25 000 because it’s a lot of money that wasn’t just for me, but for disadvantaged kids,” he said.

He warned that he would not let the alleged incident go unanswered.

“We’re not going to let you get away with this,” Vanporppal said.

The alleged theft could affect the fundraising effort behind the skatepark project, which was aimed at creating a safe public space for children in Uganda.