A man from Toronto is in hot water as criminal charges loom over him for allegedly claiming a $1-million Lotto Max free play ticket that was supposed to be shared among a trio.
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) reported that the man, as the sole claimant, cashed in the $1-million prize with Encore and accepted payment from the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG). However, the OLG Forensic Investigation Unit was later tipped off that the ticket was part of a group-play setup.
In a joint effort in September, OPP investigators, in collaboration with OLG and the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), opened an inquiry. It was concluded that the winnings should have been split among three people rather than claimed entirely by one individual.
Following an extensive investigation, 70-year-old Alex Parucha was apprehended by OPP officers on Nov. 19 regarding the disputed jackpot.
Parucha is facing charges of theft over $5,000, fraud over $5,000, and possession of property obtained by crime.
After being released from custody, Parucha is set to appear in court on Jan. 8. However, the allegations against him have yet to be proven in court.
Both the OPP and OLG have refrained from disclosing further information about the other individuals involved in the group play.
Keyphrase: Lotto Max dispute