Stolen Credit Card Leads to Jackpot Drama: Man Proposes Split with Thieves

Jean-David E of Toulouse, whose credit card was stolen, is looking to split a €500,000 jackpot with the thieves who used it to purchase the winning ticket, hoping to reach an amicable agreement before the state's intervention.

A remarkable story is unfolding in Toulouse, where a man known as Jean-David E has made an intriguing proposal to the thieves who exploited his stolen credit card. After discovering that his card was used to purchase a jackpot-winning scratch card worth €500,000 (£413,664), the concerned owner has now suggested a 50/50 split if the culprits come forward.

Speaking on RTL radio, Jean-David explained that, since the winnings would likely be confiscated by the authorities, he seeks a mutually beneficial arrangement. "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 said, highlighting the unusual predicament.

The theft occurred on February 3 when Jean-David's backpack was snatched from his car. After blocking his credit card, he realized that €52.50 (£43.47) had been spent at a nearby corner shop. A conversation with the shop's cashier revealed that two individuals, seemingly homeless, had used his card to buy cigarettes and scratch cards. Furthermore, the cashier reported that the thieves claimed to have won a significant jackpot and intended to claim their prize from France's national lottery operator, Française des Jeux (FDJ).

Displaying caution, the cashier found their behavior suspicious, particularly as they failed to enter the PIN on one card. This prompted Jean-David to alert local police, who informed the FDJ about the situation. It seems likely that the authorities will seize the winnings, and unless the thieves act promptly, they could be arrested should they attempt to claim the prize themselves.

As the clock ticks down on the 30-day window for claiming the jackpot, Jean-David and his unlikely accomplices face mounting pressure. His lawyer, Pierre Debuisson, suggested offering an amnesty, emphasizing how fortunate Jean-David felt about the bizarre circumstances. "My client was very happy to have his credit card stolen in these circumstances and so is not looking to prosecute. This is also a miraculous opportunity for these two men to build a new life for themselves," Debuisson shared.

Jean-David, sensing a golden opportunity, stated, "Unless they contact my lawyer, the ticket is unusable. So why not settle amicably and do fifty-fifty?" He further elaborated that he would allocate his share of the winnings—€250,000 (£206,988)—toward settling his mortgage. Meanwhile, inquiries have been made to the FDJ and the Toulouse police for their comments on this unusual case.