Thieves Buy Winning Lottery Ticket with Stolen Card, Victim Offers to Share Winnings

Victim seeks to negotiate with thieves for a fair share of the prize

In an extraordinary incident in Toulouse, France, thieves utilized a stolen bank card to purchase a scratch-off lottery ticket that turned out to be a winner, boasting a staggering value of €500,000 (approximately $523,000). The victim of this theft, identified as Jean-David E., discovered that his backpack, which contained his bank card among other personal items, had been stolen from his vehicle. After promptly reporting the theft to the authorities, he was shocked to learn that two individuals had used his stolen card to acquire the lucrative winning ticket.

Jean-David expressed a surprising willingness to share the windfall with the thieves if they come forward. He remarked, “Without them, no one would have won,” highlighting a unique perspective on the situation. However, legal experts caution that prosecutors might categorize the winnings as proceeds of crime, potentially leading to the seizure of the prize by the authorities. Jean-David's attorney has reached out to the thieves, urging them to contact his office to negotiate a potential agreement before the ticket reaches its expiration date.

As of the latest updates, the state lottery operator, La Française des Jeux (FDJ), confirmed that the winning ticket had not yet been claimed. This situation has sparked considerable public interest, turning the thieves into notable fugitives within France. Jean-David's plight gained further attention when he detailed the circumstances surrounding the theft. Earlier this month, he discovered his backpack was missing after a brief stop in Toulouse. He quickly alerted his bank to block his card, only to find out that it had already been used to make a purchase at a local shop.

According to reports, the vendor at the shop informed Jean-David that two seemingly homeless individuals had used his card to buy the winning scratch-off ticket. His lawyer, Pierre Debuisson, recounted the scene, noting, “They were so totally happy that they forgot their cigarettes and their belongings and walked out like crazy people.”

Despite filing a police report regarding the theft, Jean-David is prepared to withdraw the complaint if the thieves choose to step forward. He remains hopeful that an amicable agreement can be reached, which would allow them to share the substantial prize. Debuisson launched a national appeal, encouraging the perpetrators to contact him with the assurance that they could negotiate a deal that benefits everyone involved. “You risk nothing ... we will share with you,” he stated, emphasizing the life-changing potential of the winnings for the thieves.

With time running out before the ticket expires, Debuisson cautioned that the urgency of the situation is growing. “Time is working against us,” he noted, as both the victim and the potential winners navigate this unusual and complex scenario surrounding the stolen lottery ticket.