Toronto Lottery Millionaire Under Scrutiny over ‘Fraudulent’ Claiming of Ticket

The Ontario Provincial Police has charged Alex Parucha with fraud and theft following an investigation that suggests that he claimed a $1-million Lotto Max Free Play ticket on July 2, 2025, on his own behalf when, in reality, he should have been claiming it on behalf of three claimants.

Man Investigated and Due to Appear in Court over “Stolen” Lottery Ticket

This is the latest case of a lottery winner scooping up a ticket on their own, but the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation has paid heed to the complaints raised by Parucha’s fellow players and found them to have merit, as later substantiated by a police officer.

Following an investigation that was finalized in September, Parucha had indeed taken out the prize on his own behalf solely when he should have split it with others.

He was originally arrested and charged with theft and fraud over $5,000 and possession of property obtained by crime, indicating the seriousness of such crimes and how the Alcohol and Gaming Corporation of Ontario responds to cases in which one party tries to misappropriate the money of others, be that lottery wins.

While the investigation is over, a court hearing is due on January 8, 2026, in the Ontario Court of Justice, Toronto, Canada. The lottery takes all cases of such theft seriously and acts swiftly in investigating allegations, involving law enforcement when appropriate and necessary.