A 70-year-old Toronto resident is facing charges after police say they claimed a $1-million Lotto Max ticket for themself instead of splitting the winnings with the rest of their group.
In a news release issued by Ontario Provincial Police on Tuesday, investigators said the suspect claimed the winning Lotto Max Free Play ticket with Encore on July 2, 2025 and was paid out by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation.
However, they said the OLG’s forensic investigation unit later received claims suggesting the winnings may have come from a “group play arrangement” and officials with the OPP’s investigation and enforcement bureau (IEB), a part of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), began investigating in September.
Following their investigation, the OPP said it was confirmed that the ticket was part of a group arrangement, and the $1-million prize should have been split among three individuals, not a single person.
As a result, Alex Parucha was arrested and charged with theft and fraud over $5,000, as well as possession of property obtained by crime.
Parucha was released from custody and is next scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 8.
Police are asking anyone with information about the alleged fraud to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously.