|
Retailer in lotto scandal
20/12/2007 10:04 - (SA)
Toronto - A former convenience store owner was charged with fraud and theft for allegedly claiming a multimillion-dollar lottery jackpot his customers won, the latest in a series of lottery scandals in Canada.
Four other store owners or their employees are under investigation in Ontario for similar accusations. The investigations began when the province's ombudsman accused the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp in March of ignoring alleged fraud by retailers who were winning too many prizes.
Police on Wednesday accused Hafiz Malik, 60, of claiming $5.6m in January 2005 from a Lotto 6-49 draw using a ticket bought by four Toronto residents. The four say Malik stole the ticket after they asked him to validate it.
Police said nearly five million dollars worth of Malik's assets have been seized, including his home, bank account, investment account and three vehicles.
"Four rightful owners were deprived of a lottery win that would have changed their lives," Detective Bob Goodall said.
Police said the rightful owners did not realise they had won until they rechecked the ticket in July. Police provided no further details. Ontario Lottery spokesperson Teresa Roncon said on Wednesday the four will receive the prize money.
Malik, who was released on bail on Wednesday, declined comment.
"I don't have anything for you," said Malik, who wore a scarf over his face as he left the courthouse.
The lottery scandal broke in October 2006 when it was revealed that a retailer cheated an 82-year-old Ontario man out of $249 000 in winnings.
Other provinces started their own investigations.
In British Columbia, one insider was found to have won 11 times in five years, collecting a total of nearly $300 000. Another won nearly $10 000 a year for four years. The lottery corporation kept few tabs on retailers, said ombudsman Kim Carter.
An audit in Nova Scotia found retailers pocketed 85 winning tickets - each worth more than $24 000 - for a total of nearly $14m.
Several steps have been taken to address the problem, including installing self-serve ticket checkers in Ontario. Next year, players across Canada will have to sign their lottery tickets before cashing them in, while retailers will have to undergo background checks.
|
News
