Jean-David E seeks to turn a theft into a stroke of luck by inviting would-be criminal companions to claim half of €500,000 prize before it is lost to authorities.
**Frenchman Offers Split of Jackpot to Thieves Who Used His Stolen Card**
**Frenchman Offers Split of Jackpot to Thieves Who Used His Stolen Card**
A man proposes a 50/50 share of a lottery jackpot to thieves who used his credit card for a winning ticket.
The unexpected saga of a stolen credit card has taken a twist, as its owner, Jean-David E, makes an unusual appeal to two thieves. These individuals used his credit card to purchase a scratch card that turned out to be a jackpot winner worth €500,000 (£413,664). In a surprising turn of events, Jean-David has offered to split the prize money with the culprits, hoping to strike a deal before the authorities seize the funds.
Speaking on RTL radio, Jean-David, a resident of Toulouse, stated that since the money would likely be confiscated, he sees no harm in trying to reach an agreement. "Without me, they would not have won, but without them, I would not have bought this ticket. I want to offer them to share the winnings," he remarked. So far, the winning ticket, linked to this bizarre incident, remains unclaimed, with French lottery operator Française des Jeux (FDJ) blocking the transaction.
The story began when Jean-David had his backpack stolen from his car on February 3, containing his credit card. After reporting the theft to his bank, he learned that €52.50 (£43.47) was spent at a local corner shop, Tabac des Thermes. Upon investigation, he discovered that two men had used his card to buy cigarettes and several scratch cards. Shortly after, they claimed to have struck it rich with one of the tickets and intended to cash in at FDJ.
Alarmed by their suspicious behavior, the shop cashier contacted the police, leading to a formal investigation. With the two men potentially facing criminal charges if they attempt to claim the winnings, Jean-David's lawyer, Pierre Debuisson, has proposed an amnesty. "My client is very happy to have his credit card stolen in these circumstances and so is not looking to prosecute. This is a miraculous opportunity for these two men to build a new life for themselves," he said.
As the deadline approaches for scratching the ticket and claiming their winnings, Jean-David urges the thieves to act soon. “Unless they contact my lawyer, the ticket is unusable. So why not settle amicably and do fifty-fifty?” he asked, adding that his share would help settle his mortgage. Meanwhile, both FDJ and the Toulouse police have been contacted for further comment on this extraordinary case.
Speaking on RTL radio, Jean-David, a resident of Toulouse, stated that since the money would likely be confiscated, he sees no harm in trying to reach an agreement. "Without me, they would not have won, but without them, I would not have bought this ticket. I want to offer them to share the winnings," he remarked. So far, the winning ticket, linked to this bizarre incident, remains unclaimed, with French lottery operator Française des Jeux (FDJ) blocking the transaction.
The story began when Jean-David had his backpack stolen from his car on February 3, containing his credit card. After reporting the theft to his bank, he learned that €52.50 (£43.47) was spent at a local corner shop, Tabac des Thermes. Upon investigation, he discovered that two men had used his card to buy cigarettes and several scratch cards. Shortly after, they claimed to have struck it rich with one of the tickets and intended to cash in at FDJ.
Alarmed by their suspicious behavior, the shop cashier contacted the police, leading to a formal investigation. With the two men potentially facing criminal charges if they attempt to claim the winnings, Jean-David's lawyer, Pierre Debuisson, has proposed an amnesty. "My client is very happy to have his credit card stolen in these circumstances and so is not looking to prosecute. This is a miraculous opportunity for these two men to build a new life for themselves," he said.
As the deadline approaches for scratching the ticket and claiming their winnings, Jean-David urges the thieves to act soon. “Unless they contact my lawyer, the ticket is unusable. So why not settle amicably and do fifty-fifty?” he asked, adding that his share would help settle his mortgage. Meanwhile, both FDJ and the Toulouse police have been contacted for further comment on this extraordinary case.
