Eighteen year-old accused of plotting against millionaire couple

A young 18-year-old male, of Mexican origin, Edwin Scarlotte Mata Lima, was charged with plotting to extort and possibly even kill a LaSalle couple, who had recently won $27 M in the Lotto 6/49. Police succeeded in foiling the plot before anything materialized.

The suspect appeared in court to respond to accusations of, among them, plotting murder, extortion and kidnapping. It was thanks to a tip that the police learned of a plot to steal the newfound riches of the LaSalle couple. The suspect had traced their exact whereabouts using the 411 network.

The couple, who are in their early 40s and the parents of a three-year-old girl, were forced to remain in their home and fear for their safety, while the police completed their investigation and the suspect was arrested.

The forced publication of names, photos and city of residence for the Lotto-Québec winners poses a real problem for them. The Minister of Finances and Marguerite-Bourgeoys MNA, Monique Jérôme-Forget, admitted as much during the National Assembly and is open to the idea of putting a stop to this practice.

"What occurred raises serious questions about their safety and I will be meeting with Lotto-Québec to see whether this much publicity needs to surround winners."

Jean-Pierre Roy, a spokesperson for Lotto-Québec, explained that the dissemination of such information serves a purpose. "We need the transparency. People need to know where the winnings go and we need to reassure them that there is no foul play." He added that the practice takes place all across Canada because the 6/49 and the Super 7 are played throughout the country and subject to the same regulations.