Italy lottery fraud investigation involves €24 million theft

Five former employees of a state-concessionaire company in Italy have been accused of embezzling approximately €24 million through a sophisticated lottery fraud scheme. According to the Lazio prosecutor's office, the individuals accessed the company's computer systems in 2020 to identify winning 'Gratta e Vinci' scratch cards before they were sold to the public.

The suspects allegedly identified the specific retail locations where high-value tickets would be distributed, allowing friends and relatives to purchase them. The Guardia di Finanza reported that this scheme resulted in the illegal acquisition of four major prizes: two worth €7 million each and two worth €5 million each.

In response to the investigation, the Court of Auditors in Lazio has ordered the freezing of assets exceeding €25 million to ensure compensation for damages. Authorities have seized 25 real estate properties, including villas and apartments, along with five vehicles and various financial assets believed to have been purchased with the diverted funds.