Toulouse Man Makes Unbelievable Offer: Willing to Split $523K Lottery Jackpot with Thieves Who Stole His Credit Card
A surprising turn of fate has made two thieves the most wanted lottery winners in France, if they dare to come forward.
Jean-David E., a Toulouse resident, had his backpack stolen earlier this month, losing his credit cards and documents in the process. When he reported the theft to his bank, he discovered that his card had already been used at a local shop—where the culprits unknowingly bought a winning scratch-off lottery ticket worth 500,000 euros ($523,000).
But the the thieves vanished before cashing in, leaving the prize unclaimed. Now, Jean-David is making an unusual offer, he’s willing to split the winnings with them if they return his wallet and come forward.
“It’s an incredible story, but it’s all true,”
said his lawyer, Pierre Debuisson, speaking to the Associated Press.
A shop vendor later told Jean-David that the two men, who appeared to be homeless, were overwhelmed with joy upon realizing their luck. They were so ecstatic that they forgot their cigarettes and belongings before running off.
While Jean-David filed a police complaint, he’s prepared to withdraw it—if the men reveal themselves.
“Without them, no one would have won,”
he told public broadcaster France-2.
However, there’s a catch. The French state lottery operator, La Française des Jeux (FDJ), confirmed that no one has come forward to claim the prize as of Saturday. Prosecutors may also attempt to seize the winnings, as they were obtained through a stolen card.
In a nationwide appeal on Thursday, Jean-David’s lawyer urged the mystery winners to reach out.
“You risk nothing … we will share with you,” he promised. “And you would be able to change your lives.”
Will the lucky thieves take the deal? For now, the jackpot and their fate hangs in the balance.
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