The District Court in Szczecin has lifted the financial block on the 7 AUT 2x Budda lottery, allowing winners to claim prizes and confirming the legality of the bank guarantee, but prosecution charges remain.
Court Decision Reopens Prize Payments
The District Court in Szczecin lifted the block on the 7 AUT 2x Budda lottery, ending the almost year‑long dispute between the company and state authorities. The ruling allows the previously frozen prize funds to be released to lottery winners.
Treasury Chamber’s Bank Guarantee Confirmed
The court found the bank guarantee initiated by the Treasury Chamber to be lawful and separate from the company’s assets, ensuring it cannot be seized in criminal proceedings.
Buddy’s Legal Team Views the Ruling
Buddy’s attorney, Mateusz Mickiewicz, said the decision does not conclude the case but marks a vital step for defense, asserting that no prohibited act has occurred.
Prosecution Accuses Buddy of Organised Crime
Last October, prosecutors charged Buddy with running and participating in a criminal group, issuing falsified VAT invoices and laundering money to profit from lottery sales. The investigation led to the seizure of 90 million zł in bank accounts, 51 cars worth over 38 million zł, about 30 million zł in property, gold bars and cash.
Asset Seizure and International Flight
In December, Buddy left Polish custody after posting a 2 million zł bail and then traveled to the United States. The court did not impose a travel ban.
