A Toronto senior is facing serious criminal charges after Ontario Provincial Police allege he attempted to steal a $1-million lottery prize that rightfully belonged to a group of winners.
The Alleged Lottery Fraud
Alex Parucha, 70, of Toronto has been charged with theft over $5,000, fraud over $5,000, and possession of property obtained by crime following an extensive investigation by multiple law enforcement agencies. The case began when Parucha claimed a Lotto Max Free Play ticket with Encore as a sole winner on July 2, 2025, receiving the substantial prize money from the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation.
However, the celebration was short-lived. The OLG's Forensic Investigation Unit began receiving information suggesting the winning ticket was actually part of a group arrangement rather than an individual purchase. This prompted a formal review that would eventually uncover what police describe as an elaborate scheme to divert group winnings to a single individual.
Police Investigation Reveals Group Arrangement
In September 2025, officers from the OPP Investigation and Enforcement Bureau, working alongside the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, launched a comprehensive investigation into the matter. Their findings confirmed suspicions that three individuals should have shared the million-dollar prize, not just Parucha alone.
The investigation revealed that the lottery ticket was purchased as part of a collective agreement, a common practice among friends, family members, or coworkers who pool their resources to increase their chances of winning. Police allege that Parucha knowingly violated this arrangement when he came forward as the sole claimant.
Arrest and Court Proceedings
On November 19, 2025, investigators arrested Parucha following months of evidence gathering and review. The 70-year-old was processed and subsequently released from custody with a scheduled court appearance at the Ontario Court of Justice in Toronto on January 8, 2026.
The charges reflect the serious nature of the alleged offense, with each count carrying potential significant penalties under Canadian law. The case highlights the importance of honesty in lottery claims and the sophisticated investigative capabilities of Ontario's gaming enforcement units.
Winner's Earlier Celebration
Prior to the investigation becoming public, Parucha had enthusiastically celebrated his apparent good fortune with OLG officials. In earlier statements, he described the win as "a very emotional experience" that brought "disbelief, happiness and excitement."
"I told my daughter and she was very excited," Parucha had told OLG. "She said, 'We're millionaires now.' My kids and I are very happy about this win." The retiree, who claimed to have played the lottery for nearly three decades, had outlined plans to purchase property, share winnings with family, and bolster his savings.
Now, those plans appear in jeopardy as the criminal proceedings unfold. The case serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of maintaining integrity in lottery participation and the consequences of attempting to circumvent group agreements for personal gain.
Authorities are encouraging anyone with additional information about this case to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at ontariocrimestoppers.ca.
