A millionaire was today told he will face prosecution for allegedly faking a National Lottery ticket to land a £2.5million windfall.
Edward Putman, 53, from Kings Langley, Hertfordshire, has been charged with fraud by false representation following a three-year investigation by detectives.
The former bricklayer received the money after coming forward as the holder of an unclaimed ticket in 2009.
The winning numbers — 6, 9, 20, 21, 31 and 34 — were drawn on March 11 that year.
In 2015 operator Camelot was fined £3 million by the Gambling Commission after an investigation by the watchdog found a ticket allegedly did not have a working barcode.
Putman will appear in court next month. If convicted, he could be ordered to repay the seven-figure sum under the proceeds of crime act.
A spokesman for Camelot said: “We’re aware that an individual has been charged. However, while we appreciate that some people may want to know further detail, it wouldn’t be appropriate for us to comment at this stage, given that the matter is now the subject of criminal proceedings.”
A spokesman for Hertfordshire police said: “A man has been charged after an investigation into an alleged lottery fraud.
The incident occurred in 2009 when a claim was made for an outstanding lottery prize.
A lottery ticket was submitted and the prize of £2.5 million was paid out.
“In 2015 an investigation was opened by Hertfordshire constabulary’s serious fraud and cyber unit, after evidence came to light that the claim was not genuine.”
Putman has been released on bail to appear at St Albans magistrates’ court on October 16.
