ORILLIA, ON, March 22, 2018 /CNW/ - Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged two Greater Toronto Area residents following a lengthy investigation into a major prize lottery fraud.

In November 2016, the OPP Investigation and Enforcement Bureau assigned to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) were contacted by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) to investigate a suspicious win in relation to a 'group play' lottery ticket. The ticket was originally purchased at a retail location in Woodbridge in 2009 with a prize ultimately valued at more than $1.7 million. As a result of the investigation, police have charged:

Anna KOVARSKI, aged 70 years, of Woodbridge, with:

• Two counts of Fraud Over $5000, contrary to section 380(1)(a) CC
• Theft Over $5000, contrary to section 334(a) CC
• Two counts of Laundering Proceeds of Crime contrary to section 462.31(1)(a) CC
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000, contrary to section 354(1)(a) CC
• Counsel to Commit False Pretence, contrary to section 22 and 362(1)(a) CC.

Aleksandra FINGERMAN, aged 41 years, of Thornhill, with:

• False Pretence Over $5000, contrary to section 362(1)(a) CC
• Laundering Proceeds of Crime, contrary to section 462.31(1)(a) CC

As a result of a parallel financial investigation by the Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau - Provincial Asset Forfeiture Unit, a residence and financial accounts totaling over $1.8 million dollars have been restrained.

Both accused are scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice (Old City Hall) in Toronto on April 12^th, 2018.

SOURCE Ontario Provincial Police

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