The winner of a $2bn (£1.65bn) Powerball jackpot is being sued by a person who claims the profitable ticket was stolen from him earlier than the draw. 

The win within the US set data because the greatest lottery prize in historical past.

The winner purchased the ticket in California after a rollover went on for 3 months with out anybody profitable the highest prize.

Edwin Castro was recognized because the fortunate ticketholder in February, three months after the draw final November.

Now, although, a person named Jose Rivera claims the prize is rightfully his.

He says he purchased the ticket at Joe's Service Centre in Altadena, California, the day earlier than the draw.

He alleges a person known as Urachi Romero stole the ticket that very same day.

Mr Rivera has filed a civil criticism towards Mr Romero, Mr Castro, the California State Lottery Commission and the state of California, NBC reported.

After the ticket was allegedly stolen, Mr Rivera made "numerous requests and demands to return it" however Mr Romero refused, in line with the criticism.

When the profitable numbers had been drawn, he once more requested for the ticket.

Mr Romero allegedly responded by saying "the ticket was a loser or if I find the ticket we can split the winnings 50/50," the criticism stated.

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Mr Rivera reported the alleged theft to the California Lottery and police, in line with court docket paperwork.

After Mr Castro was introduced because the winner in February, Mr Rivera offered a declare type to California Lottery saying his ticket was stolen.

"Up until the announcement on 14 February, 2023, Mr Rivera had been threatened that his winning ticket would be destroyed if he did not agree to split the winnings," a letter from his lawyer stated.

California Lottery instructed NBC it doesn't touch upon pending litigation however expressed "utmost confidence" within the organisation's vetting course of for winners.

"California Lottery remains confident that Edwin Castro is the rightful winner of the $2.04 billion prize stemming from the Powerball drawing in November of 2022," spokesperson Carolyn Becker stated.

Mr Castro was served with the lawsuit on the $25.5m (£20.7m) mansion he purchased with the lottery winnings.

Content Source: information.sky.com