Shop Owner Accused of Running Off With Customer’s Winning Lotto Ticket

An Italian tobacco shop owner was arrested for stealing a customer’s winning lotto ticket.

The lucky woman who purchased the lottery ticket gave it to the shop’s employee to confirm the win. For additional verification, the employee then gave the winning ticket to the shop’s owner, who then fled away.

The man was apprehended in Rome at the Fiumicino Airport on Sunday while attempting to board a flight to the Canary Islands. The ticket, however, was not found.

According to the Associated Press, the winning scratch-off ticket was worth 500,000 euros ($580,000).

The Italian tax office has blocked lottery sales at the shop to prevent thieves from cashing in on prizes.