Ex-clerk charged in lottery fraud
A former convenience store owner was charged with fraud and theft for allegedly claiming a $5.6-million lottery jackpot his customers won.
Canadian police accused Hafiz Malik, 60, of claiming the money 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.
Ontario Lottery spokeswoman Teresa Roncon said the four will receive the prize money. Police said nearly $5 million worth of Malik’s assets had been seized, including his home, bank account and three vehicles.
Malik declined to comment as he left the courthouse with a scarf over his face.
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