Authorities in Sint-Gillis-Waas, East Flanders, had earlier issued a warning about scammers attempting to uncover the identity of the local EuroMillions winner, who recently won €52 million. A couple had been visiting houses, claiming to be reporters searching for information about the man who won the massive jackpot.
Locals initially reported that the couple, who claimed to work for the daily newspaper Het Nieuwsblad, were asking residents if they knew the identity of the EuroMillions winner. However, when the mayor contacted the newspaper, it was confirmed that the pair were not affiliated with Het Nieuwsblad.
It was later revealed that the individuals were indeed journalists, but from the rival newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws. Several residents in the neighborhood, including the newsagent where the winning ticket was purchased, had received visits from the pair.
The mayor described the suspects as a man and a woman— “a woman with long blonde hair and a shorter, balding man with black hair”—who appeared suspicious and did not seem to be real journalists. “They clearly do not appear to be real journalists,” the mayor told local Flemish media.
The identity of the €52 million jackpot winner remains unknown. The winning ticket was purchased at a local newsagent, but the winner’s personal details have not been disclosed. The National Lottery confirmed that the winner is from East Flanders but has not revealed further information about their identity or location.
The mayor had initially urged residents to be cautious and not provide any information to strangers, warning that the visits could be an attempt by fortune seekers to extort money. “It is apparently attracting fortune seekers wanting to extort money. So be on your guard,” the mayor advised.
To ensure public safety, the mayor ordered extra police patrols in the area, though no issues were reported. Residents were encouraged to contact the police if they encountered the suspicious duo. However, it has since come to light that the couple were legitimate reporters, working for Het Laatste Nieuws.
