Thieves Use Stolen Card to Buy Winning French Lottery Ticket
In a bizarre turn of events, thieves managed to use a stolen card to purchase a winning French lottery ticket worth 500,000 euros ($523,000) but disappeared before claiming their prize. The incident has catapulted them into the spotlight as some of France’s most wanted fugitives.
The victim of the theft, identified as Jean-David E. in police records, has expressed his willingness to split the cash prize with the elusive winners and is also seeking the return of his stolen wallet.
The Unusual Heist
The saga began when Jean-David discovered that his backpack, containing his bank cards and other personal documents, had been stolen from his car in Toulouse. Upon realizing the theft, he promptly reported it to his bank and was informed that one of his cards had already been used at a local store.
Further investigation revealed that the stolen card had been used by two individuals, described as apparently homeless, to purchase the winning scratch-off lottery ticket. The jubilant duo, overwhelmed by their stroke of luck, forgot their cigarettes and belongings at the shop and hastily left the scene.
A Race Against Time
Despite the theft and subsequent events, the winning ticket remains uncashed. La Française des Jeux (FDJ), the state lottery operator, confirmed that no one has come forward to claim the prize as of yet.
Jean-David’s lawyer, Pierre Debuisson, described the unfolding events as “an incredible story” and emphasized the authenticity of the situation.
An Unusual Offer
In a surprising turn of events, Jean-David has offered to withdraw his police complaint against the thieves if they step forward to claim the prize. He is willing to share the winnings with them, acknowledging that without their actions, no one would have won.
However, the lawyer cautioned that the authorities may seek to seize the winnings as illegally obtained gains, putting the elusive winners in a precarious position.
A Plea for Resolution
Debuisson issued a national appeal for the thieves to come forward and make a deal through his office. He assured them that they “risk nothing” and emphasized the life-changing potential of the prize money.
As time ticks away, with the ticket set to expire eventually, the lawyer urged the perpetrators to act swiftly to secure their share of the prize.
The unfolding drama has captured the attention of the public and law enforcement alike as the hunt for the elusive lottery winners continues.
