Canadian lottery player arrested for allegedly keeping $1M group win for himself
For one Canadian lottery winner, celebrations turned to criminal charges after he allegedly came forward to claim a group win for himself.
Lottery player Alex Parucha, 70, is a Toronto resident and retiree who won a $1-million Encore prize in a Lotto Max draw. However, he was arrested on Nov. 19 and now faces multiple charges after it transpired that Parucha’s solo win was actually a group win.
According to a news release from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), an individual claimed a $1-million Lotto Max Free Play ticket with Encore as “a sole claimant” and received his winnings from OLG.
sockagphoto/Shutterstock
In a release from OLG, Parucha said he has been playing the lottery for almost 30 years. He matched all seven Encore numbers in the Lotto Max May 20 draw, thereby winning the $1-million prize.
While claiming his prize at the OLG Prize Centre in downtown Toronto, he said that he was “in disbelief” and that he plans to save, buy property, and share his winnings with his family.
“Being a winner is a very emotional experience,” he said. “It’s brought a lot of disbelief, happiness, and excitement. I feel so fortunate to have won this prize.”
However, the OLG Forensic Investigation Unit received and reviewed claims that suggested that Parucha’s win “may have resulted from a group play arrangement.” The case was then referred to the OPP and Enforcement Bureau (IEB), attached to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).
OLG
The investigation began in September, and authorities confirmed that the ticket was indeed part of a group arrangement. As a result, Parucha’s windfall should have been shared among three individuals instead of one.
He has been charged with theft over $5,000, fraud over $5,000, and possession of property obtained by crime.
Parucha was released from custody and is set to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Toronto on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026.