Edmonton police said the former store manager of a convenience store had been charged in connection to alleged lottery fraud that started in 2012.

The Edmonton Police Service Economic Crimes Section has charged Hassan Karim Choudhry, 31, with fraud over $5,000.

Police said Choudhry manipulated the accounting system at the convenience store he managed, for lottery payouts that totaled $524,000.

“The accused was allegedly paying out non-existent lottery tickets to himself until the fraud was discovered and he was terminated from his job,” Det. Jerry Sobchyshyn said in a statement.

EPS said its believed the fraud started in September 2012, and continued for a whole year. The employer reported it to police in October, 2013, and charges were laid this week.