Winner of $ 270,000 in the lottery and could not collect it due to lack of documentation

He scratched the ticket and got lucky: $ 270,000 prize. Still, he could not collect it.

A 28-year-old man from Algeria is facing increasing difficulties in claiming the money he won in this lottery in Belgium, in which he bought a ticket and scratched for prizes.

The reason? Your undocumented status.

The gift was too large to be paid in cash and he did not have the documents required to open a bank account.

The winner does not know what to do to get his reward, he says he wants to use it to create a new life in Belgium.

“When I have the money, I buy a place to live in Brussels. Maybe a car, “he told the Belgian newspaper. Head Lotte News The man, whose identity has not been revealed.

Problems

According to the Belgian broadcaster VRT, the 28-year-old has no valid identity documents or permanent residence.

Alexander Verstradt, the person’s lawyer, said the lottery company would not pay because he could not open a bank account.

“We are looking for documents that prove your identity. He should contact his family in Algeria, “he told the Associated Press.

A spokesman for the lottery did not specify what documents AFP needed to receive the prize.

One of the friends of the person holding the documents tried to win on his behalf.

They went to the lottery headquarters in Brussels, which is a necessary procedure for any prize above 100,000 euros.

However, the friend and two others who came with him were arrested on suspicion of stealing the victory card.

They were released after the winner explained the situation.

The victory card is now in the hands of the court in the city of Bruges.

Verstrade says authorities have promised not to deport the person until the prize money is available.

According to the Belgian media, the winner traveled to Spain by boat four months ago and left Algeria. From there he crossed cattle to Spain and France and reached Belgium.

He wanted to move to the UK, but now he says he wants to stay in Belgium and hopes to start a family.

“I’m looking for a wife too,” he said Head Lotte News. “But I’m not going to find one in my money, but in my heart.”