Lottery Scandal Now Includes Russian National

May 27, 2025 – Ryan Dickinson and Matthew Clemenson have pled guilty to their roles in a far-reaching securities fraud scheme involving Lottery.com. The charges stem from a complex web of fabricated financial statements, sham transactions, and regulatory deception—all designed to mislead investors and artificially inflate the company’s valuation ahead of a merger deadline.

According to federal indictments unsealed earlier this year, the fraud was orchestrated by Russian national Vadim Komissarov, also known as “Vlad.” With time running out to complete a merger or return investor funds, Komissarov allegedly directed Dickinson and Clemenson—both high-ranking Lottery.com executives—to falsify revenue reports through fake contracts and non-existent payments. Their goal was to create the illusion of growth and financial stability.

In addition to their internal misconduct at Lottery.com, Dickinson and Clemenson are linked to former Texas Lottery Commission Executive Director Gary Grief. The three reportedly maintained close ties, raising further questions about the oversight of the state lottery system and possible regulatory complicity.

Although not detailed in the formal court filings, sources close to the investigation allege the men also played a key role in rigging a $95 million lottery jackpot in April 2023, with the assistance of Grief. This jackpot manipulation has not yet resulted in additional charges but is under ongoing federal review.

The scandal has sent shockwaves through both financial and regulatory sectors in Texas, calling into question the integrity of oversight institutions and the security of lottery operations. With Dickinson and Clemenson now cooperating with authorities, further indictments and revelations are expected. Their guilty pleas mark a major step in unraveling a fraud that not only misled investors but may have compromised one of the state’s most trusted public institutions.