Undocumented lottery winner battles to collect

Algerian national who won €250,000 (£206,000; $270,000) in Belgium on a €5 scratchcard is unable to redeem his winnings due to his undocumented status.

The award is too great to pay in cash, and the man lacks the necessary documentation to open a bank account.

A friend who attempted to claim the money on his behalf was temporarily jailed on theft charges.

The winner has stated that he intends to utilize the funds to establish a life in Belgium.

“When I get the money, I am going to buy a place to live in Brussels. And maybe a car,” the man, whose identity has not been revealed, told Belgian newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws.

However, he must first discover a way to obtain the funds.

According to Belgian television VRT, the 28-year-old guy lacks both legal identification documents and a permanent residence.

The lottery company would not pay the man because he is unable to register a bank account, according to the man’s lawyer, Alexander Verstraete.

“We are looking for those documents that can prove his identity. He will have to contact his family in Algeria,” Mr. Verstraete told the AFP news agency.

A lottery spokesman declined to clarify which documentation would be necessary to claim the prize, according to AFP.

One of the man’s acquaintances, who possessed the proper documentation, attempted to claim the reward on his behalf by traveling to the lottery headquarters in Brussels, as is required for any prize above €100,000.

However, he and two others were held overnight by police on suspicion of stealing the winning scratchcard. They were released following an explanation from the winner.

The card is present in the custody of a court in Bruges, near the port of Zeebrugge where it was purchased.

Mr. Verstraete claims that authorities have assured him that they will not deport the man until he receives the award money.

According to Belgian media, the winner departed Algeria four months ago, traveling by water to Spain. He continued on foot across Spain and France until he reached Belgium.

He originally intended to go to the United Kingdom, but now says he would rather stay in Belgium and wishes to raise a family.

“I will also look for a wife,” he told Het Laatste Nieuws. “Still, I am not going to find one with my money, but with my heart.”

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