TORONTO — A former convenience-store owner was charged with fraud and theft Wednesday 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. Police accused Hafiz Malik, 60, of claiming $5.6 million 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 $5 million worth of Malik’s assets have been seized.
Ontario Lottery Corporation spokeswoman Teresa Roncon said Wednesday the four victims will receive the prize money plus almost $900,000 in interest.
