A judge has ruled that the Massachusetts Lottery may fight suspected fraud by temporarily suspending players who they suspect of fraudulently acquiring thousands of scratchers and trying to cash them in.
The lottery has been investigating such practices as a possible money laundering scheme. It called Ali Jaafar and his two sons “high-frequency winners” and suspended their ability to cash tickets for 90 days. The father and sons sued, asking for an injunction. The judge denied it.
Lottery Executive Director Michael Sweeney said in a statement,
“We are very encouraged by the court’s decision. While creating and implementing our policy, we have utilized a deliberate approach in the interest of being able to withstand anticipated legal challenges.”
