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Basque Police Probe 132 Complaints in Igorre Christmas Lottery Shortfall

The case tests how volunteer-run lottery sales are overseen in Spain.

Overview

  • Ertzaintza says it is investigating a possible fraud after receiving 132 complaints over unpaid Christmas lottery prizes linked to the Igorre rugby club.
  • The club admits it sold 1,425 shares when it should have sold 1,200 for number 90,693, which won the third prize, leaving nearly €2.2 million unpaid at €10,000 per share.
  • Security officials say the complaints are being handled in one case file that could be sent to a judge if police find signs of a crime.
  • Victims have met to coordinate next steps, including a joint civil claim, while club leaders are quietly floating a voluntary deal that could include up to a 15% cut.
  • The incident echoes a recent overselling case in Villamanín and has raised alarms for community groups that sell lottery shares about controls and legal exposure.