An Algerian made a profit of 250 thousand euros (at the current exchange rate of 1.2 million Brazilian riyals) in a Scratch card purchased for €5 in Belgium He cannot redeem his lottery prize due to his immigrant status.
The prize is too large to be paid in cash; And the Algerian, in an irregular situation, has not yet been able to obtain the necessary documents to open a bank account.
The scratch card winner said he dreams of using €250,000 to build a life in Belgium.
“When I get the money, I’ll buy a place to live in Brussels. And maybe a car,” the 28-year-old – whose identity has not been revealed – told local newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws.
Without regular identification documents or a fixed address, he was unable to open the bank account needed to receive the award, his attorney Alexander Verstreet complains.
“We are looking for documents to prove his identity. We will have to contact his family in Algeria,” Verstreet told AFP.
A lottery spokesman did not specify to AFP the documents required to award the prize.
A friend of the Algerian – because he was in a normal immigration situation – attempted to receive the prize on his behalf directly at the Brussels lottery headquarters – which is mandatory for any prize over €100,000.
But police eventually detained him and two other men overnight on suspicion of stealing an award-winning scratch card. They were released after explaining the situation.
Now, the scratch card is in the custody of the city magistrate of Bruges, near the port of Zeebrugge, where it was obtained.
Lawyer Verstreet says the authorities have promised not to deport the winner until he gets his money back.
Belgian media reported that the man left Algeria four months ago on a boat trip to Spain. He had traveled from Spain to France before leaving for Belgium.
His initial goal was to immigrate to the UK, but now he intends to settle in Belgium and start a family.
“I am looking for a wife,” he told Het Laatste Nieuws. “But I will not look for one with my money, but with my heart.”
Charlotte Whitmore is a contributor at Mediarunsearch.co.uk, covering a broad range of topics including news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment, and lifestyle. She focuses on delivering clear, balanced reporting and practical information that helps readers stay informed about current events and emerging developments. Her work highlights stories that matter to everyday audiences, with an emphasis on accuracy, relevance, and accessible journalism that keeps readers connected to the issues shaping the UK and beyond.