In a curious twist of fate, a Toulouse resident proposes sharing jackpot winnings with the thieves who used his stolen credit card.
Frenchman Offers 50/50 Split to Thieves Over Jackpot Scratch Card Winnings
Frenchman Offers 50/50 Split to Thieves Over Jackpot Scratch Card Winnings
A man whose credit card was stolen and used to win a significant lottery amount seeks a deal with the culprits.
The story of a French man's unusual proposition is making headlines after he publicly reached out to thieves who utilized his stolen credit card to purchase a scratch card, which turned out to be worth €500,000 (£413,664). The man, identified as Jean-David E, suggested a 50/50 split of the winnings in a bid to strike an amicable arrangement, claiming that since the card was stolen, the prize may otherwise be seized by authorities.
Jean-David, sharing his story with RTL radio, explained the situation, stating, "Without me, they would not have won, but without them, I would not have bought this ticket." He learned about the theft after his backpack—containing vital items including his wallet—was stolen from his parked car on February 3. After blocking his card, he discovered unauthorized use of €52.50 (£43.47) at a local shop via contactless payment.
Upon investigating, he learned from the shopkeeper that two men, allegedly experiencing homelessness, had bought cigarettes and several scratch cards using his card. These men claimed they had secured the jackpot, instigating police involvement as Jean-David sought to retrieve his losses.
Despite his legal standing and the likelihood that authorities would confiscate the winnings, his lawyer, Pierre Debuisson, suggested an amnesty. He stated that Jean-David expressed no desire to prosecute, highlighting an opportunity for the thieves to transform their lives. "For that amount of money, I'm ready to come to an agreement," Jean-David reiterated, emphasizing plans to use his potential share to alleviate his mortgage burden.
As the deadline for claiming the winnings looms, the Toulouse police and the French national lottery operator, Française des Jeux (FDJ), are currently involved in assessing the situation. The saga raises unanswered questions about ethics, responsibility, and the extraordinary nature of luck.
Jean-David, sharing his story with RTL radio, explained the situation, stating, "Without me, they would not have won, but without them, I would not have bought this ticket." He learned about the theft after his backpack—containing vital items including his wallet—was stolen from his parked car on February 3. After blocking his card, he discovered unauthorized use of €52.50 (£43.47) at a local shop via contactless payment.
Upon investigating, he learned from the shopkeeper that two men, allegedly experiencing homelessness, had bought cigarettes and several scratch cards using his card. These men claimed they had secured the jackpot, instigating police involvement as Jean-David sought to retrieve his losses.
Despite his legal standing and the likelihood that authorities would confiscate the winnings, his lawyer, Pierre Debuisson, suggested an amnesty. He stated that Jean-David expressed no desire to prosecute, highlighting an opportunity for the thieves to transform their lives. "For that amount of money, I'm ready to come to an agreement," Jean-David reiterated, emphasizing plans to use his potential share to alleviate his mortgage burden.
As the deadline for claiming the winnings looms, the Toulouse police and the French national lottery operator, Française des Jeux (FDJ), are currently involved in assessing the situation. The saga raises unanswered questions about ethics, responsibility, and the extraordinary nature of luck.
