Brothers accused of Pro Line ticket fraud

NEWS RELEASE

ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE

************************* OPP charge two brothers in fraud investigation

TORONTO - (March 13) - The OPP has laid fraud charges against two brothers following a "Pro Line" ticket prize claim.

The investigation was referred to the OPP Investigation and Enforcement Bureau assigned to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) as a result of a "suspicious win" of a "Pro Line" ticket. On February 7, 2008, Claudio Savaia attended the Toronto OLG Prize office claiming to be the owner of a winning Pro Line ticket that was validated and verified to be a winner.

While following the verification process to ensure Claudio was the lawful owner of the winning ticket, OLG staff became suspicious as he was unable to provide adequate information as to where the ticket was purchased.

The OLG then contacted the OPP who initiated an investigation. The OPP investigation revealed that Claudio's brother, Aldo Savaia, was the legitimate owner of the winning "Pro Line" ticket but that he had requested his brother claim the winning prize.

While Aldo knew that his brother was claiming the winning prize on his behalf, the investigation revealed that Claudio did so for a fraudulent purpose. As a result of the investigation the OPP have charged: - Claudio Savaia, 43 of Stouffville, Ontario with fraud under $5,000. - Aldo Savaia, 42 of Toronto, Ontario with fraud under $5,000. Both men are scheduled to appear in provincial court at Old City Hall, 60 Queen Street West, Toronto on April 18, 2008.

As of January 1, 2008, the AGCO has assumed the responsibility of Ontario's lottery regulator responsible for investigating insider, suspicious lottery wins and registered lottery retailers.

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