In an extraordinary turn of events, a Toulouse man named Jean-David E has pledged to share the jackpot with the thieves who stole his credit card.
**Thieves With a Twist: Man Offers Jackpot Split After Credit Card Heist**
**Thieves With a Twist: Man Offers Jackpot Split After Credit Card Heist**
A Frenchman suggests a 50/50 deal with two thieves after they used his stolen card to buy a winning scratch card worth €500,000.
In a remarkable case from Toulouse, France, a man has made headlines for his unusual proposal to two thieves who used his stolen credit card to purchase a jackpot-winning scratch card valued at €500,000. Identifying himself as Jean-David E, he reached out through RTL radio, attempting to negotiate a split of the prize, stating he would generously offer them 50% of the winnings.
Jean-David explained that the authorities would likely seize the jackpot, so he deemed it better to strike a deal with the culprits. “Without me, they would not have won, but without them, I would not have bought this ticket,” he remarked. “I want to offer them to share the winnings.”
As it stands, the winning ticket has yet to be claimed. The French national lottery operator, Française des Jeux (FDJ), has blocked the ticket due to the circumstances surrounding its purchase. Jean-David's ordeal began on February 3 when he realized his backpack, containing his wallet, had been stolen from his car. After immediately contacting his bank, he discovered a contactless payment of €52.50 had been made at a nearby shop, Tabac des Thermes.
Upon visiting the shop, Jean-David learned that two men—who appeared to be homeless—had used his stolen credit card for cigarettes and multiple scratch cards. The cashier had grown suspicious when the men struggled to enter a PIN for one of the cards and quickly contacted Jean-David, who then informed the police.
Authorities have since reached out to FDJ regarding the situation. Should the thieves attempt to claim the prize themselves, they could face arrest due to the theft of the credit card. With a deadline of 30 days to claim the winnings from the date of purchase, the clock is ticking for these unlikely collaborators.
Jean-David and his lawyer, Pierre Debuisson, hope the thieves will take advantage of this rare opportunity to come forward without facing prosecution. Debuisson suggested an amicable resolution stating, “My client was very happy to have his credit card stolen in these circumstances.” If they cooperate, Jean-David is open to splitting the earnings, with plans to use his €250,000 share to tackle his mortgage. As of now, both the FDJ and Toulouse police have been approached for further comments on this unusual incident.
Jean-David explained that the authorities would likely seize the jackpot, so he deemed it better to strike a deal with the culprits. “Without me, they would not have won, but without them, I would not have bought this ticket,” he remarked. “I want to offer them to share the winnings.”
As it stands, the winning ticket has yet to be claimed. The French national lottery operator, Française des Jeux (FDJ), has blocked the ticket due to the circumstances surrounding its purchase. Jean-David's ordeal began on February 3 when he realized his backpack, containing his wallet, had been stolen from his car. After immediately contacting his bank, he discovered a contactless payment of €52.50 had been made at a nearby shop, Tabac des Thermes.
Upon visiting the shop, Jean-David learned that two men—who appeared to be homeless—had used his stolen credit card for cigarettes and multiple scratch cards. The cashier had grown suspicious when the men struggled to enter a PIN for one of the cards and quickly contacted Jean-David, who then informed the police.
Authorities have since reached out to FDJ regarding the situation. Should the thieves attempt to claim the prize themselves, they could face arrest due to the theft of the credit card. With a deadline of 30 days to claim the winnings from the date of purchase, the clock is ticking for these unlikely collaborators.
Jean-David and his lawyer, Pierre Debuisson, hope the thieves will take advantage of this rare opportunity to come forward without facing prosecution. Debuisson suggested an amicable resolution stating, “My client was very happy to have his credit card stolen in these circumstances.” If they cooperate, Jean-David is open to splitting the earnings, with plans to use his €250,000 share to tackle his mortgage. As of now, both the FDJ and Toulouse police have been approached for further comments on this unusual incident.
