In an unusual twist, a man is suggesting to share a €500,000 prize with the thieves who stole his card and won the ticket.
Frenchman Offers Jackpot Split to Thieves Who Used His Stolen Card
Frenchman Offers Jackpot Split to Thieves Who Used His Stolen Card
A unique appeal arises as a credit card owner seeks to negotiate winnings with criminals.
A Toulouse resident known as Jean-David E has garnered attention after he publicly invited two thieves, who utilized his stolen credit card to buy a jackpot-winning scratch card, to come forward and share the €500,000 (€413,664) prize with him. The offer, made during an interview on RTL radio, stems from Jean-David's realization that without his card, the thieves wouldn't have won, yet without their actions, he wouldn't have purchased the winning ticket.
The events unfolded after Jean-David discovered that his backpack, containing his wallet, was stolen from his car on February 3. Upon contacting his bank to block the stolen card, he found out that €52.50 (£43.47) had been spent at a local store, Tabac des Thermes, through a contactless transaction. Seeking answers, he visited the shop where he learned that the culprits had used his card to buy cigarettes and multiple scratch cards.
The confusion and suspicion escalated when the two men informed the cashier that they had won a €500,000 jackpot with one of the scratch cards. However, the cashier grew wary when the two were unable to provide a valid PIN for another card. Following this interaction, Jean-David promptly alerted the police, who communicated with Française des Jeux (FDJ), the national lottery operator, which led to a halt on the winnings until further investigation clears the situation.
As it stands, no one has claimed the winning ticket, which has been flagged by the authorities. According to Jean-David's lawyer, Pierre Debuisson, the two thieves are under potential arrest if they attempt to claim their illegal prize. As the 30-day claim window approaches, Jean-David insists he is not interested in pursuing legal action, instead proposing a split of the winnings in an effort to help the thieves create a better future.
"My client is surprisingly pleased that events unfolded this way and is looking to settle things amicably," stated Mr. Debuisson. Meanwhile, Jean-David affirmed he would use his share, approximately €250,000 (£206,988), to pay down his mortgage if an agreement can be reached. The FDJ along with police in Toulouse have been contacted for further comments on this intriguing case.
The events unfolded after Jean-David discovered that his backpack, containing his wallet, was stolen from his car on February 3. Upon contacting his bank to block the stolen card, he found out that €52.50 (£43.47) had been spent at a local store, Tabac des Thermes, through a contactless transaction. Seeking answers, he visited the shop where he learned that the culprits had used his card to buy cigarettes and multiple scratch cards.
The confusion and suspicion escalated when the two men informed the cashier that they had won a €500,000 jackpot with one of the scratch cards. However, the cashier grew wary when the two were unable to provide a valid PIN for another card. Following this interaction, Jean-David promptly alerted the police, who communicated with Française des Jeux (FDJ), the national lottery operator, which led to a halt on the winnings until further investigation clears the situation.
As it stands, no one has claimed the winning ticket, which has been flagged by the authorities. According to Jean-David's lawyer, Pierre Debuisson, the two thieves are under potential arrest if they attempt to claim their illegal prize. As the 30-day claim window approaches, Jean-David insists he is not interested in pursuing legal action, instead proposing a split of the winnings in an effort to help the thieves create a better future.
"My client is surprisingly pleased that events unfolded this way and is looking to settle things amicably," stated Mr. Debuisson. Meanwhile, Jean-David affirmed he would use his share, approximately €250,000 (£206,988), to pay down his mortgage if an agreement can be reached. The FDJ along with police in Toulouse have been contacted for further comments on this intriguing case.
