The Buddy lottery case has taken a new turn: the Szczecin Regional Court has lifted the freeze on prize funds, paving the way for winners to be paid. After nearly a year of dispute, the formalities have been resolved, and the winners can start counting on their prizes.
Court Lifts the Block on Buddy Lottery Prizes
After many months of uncertainty over the legality of the lottery run by influencer Buddy, a court in Szczecin has issued a ruling that is very important for the winners. It has decided to lift the block on funds set aside for prizes with a total value of around PLN 8 million, including luxury cars, a house in Zakopane, and monthly salaries.
What Does the Court’s Decision Mean?
- The prize funds are released from security and can be paid out to the winners.
- The Tax Administration Chamber (IAS) in Kraków is obliged to carry out payments to the winners without delay.
- The decision is not yet a final judgment but a ruling, which means the investigation is still ongoing, yet it is an important step for the winners.
Legality and Security of the Lottery
The organizer, the publishing house Influi, has consistently stressed that the lottery was legal and had a bank guarantee securing the payment of prizes. The court confirmed the correctness of these procedures and the legality of the entire campaign, which dispelled earlier doubts linked to allegations of illegal organization.
Characteristics of the Bank Guarantee
- It is an instrument that protects participants in case the organizer is unable to pay out the prizes.
- This guarantee has been recognized by the court and the prosecutor’s office, which is a rare example of effective security in lotteries run by influencers.
What Next in the Buddy Affair?
Although the funds will be paid out, the investigation led by the prosecutor’s office is still ongoing. YouTuber Budda and people from his circle have been charged with serious offences, including participation in an organized criminal group, VAT fraud, and money laundering.
Significance for the Influencer Market
- The case shows how important it is to fully comply with the law and be transparent when organizing similar promotional campaigns.
- Bank guarantees and approved terms and conditions can today protect both organizers and participants from serious legal consequences.
Summary
The decision of the Szczecin Regional Court opens a long-awaited opportunity to pay out winnings in the Buddy lottery, ending a lengthy legal dispute over the legality and security of these prizes. Although the case is still ongoing, it is a clear signal for influencers that professionalism and legality must go hand in hand with such large promotional ventures. The winners can finally breathe a sigh of relief and start enjoying their prizes.
