News writer
Some lottery wins come with lucky numbers. Others come with a plot twist. In France, a pair of thieves might have just pulled off the most ironic jackpot heist of all time — without even realizing it.
After allegedly using a stolen bank card to buy a lottery ticket, they unknowingly scratched their way to a €500,000 prize. But instead of celebrating, they vanished, leaving behind a confused victim and one very unusual offer on the table.
Thieves discover huge win
A pair of thieves in France allegedly used a stolen card to buy a lottery ticket. That ticket ended up being a big winner — 500,000 euros ($523,000 USD) to be exact. However, the duo vanished before cashing in on the winnings.
Now the thieves are facing a tough decision, as the man whose card was stolen, identified as Jean-David E. in police documents obtained by the Associated Press, has said he will split the money with the lucky winners. He also wants his wallet back.
However, the thieves also face the risk of arrest if they come forward and claim the prize. No one has claimed the winning ticket as of this past weekend, according to state lottery operator La Française des Jeux, or FDJ.
It's all true
While this may seem like a movie script, the lawyer for Jean-David, Pierre Debuisson, told the AP, “It's an incredible story, but it's all true.”
Earlier this month, Jean-David discovered that his backpack had been stolen from his car in the southern city of Toulouse. His bank cards and other documents were in the backpack, so he called his bank and asked them to block the card. However, he found out it had already been used in a local shop.
That is when the story took a big twist, as Jean-David went to the shop and a vendor told him two homeless men were the ones that used his card. When doing so, they allegedly bought the winning lottery ticket.
Debuisson told the AP:
They were so totally happy that they forgot their cigarettes and their belongings and walked out like crazy people.
Splitting the winnings
Initially, Jean-David had filed a police complaint regarding the theft. However, his attorney said they are ready to withdraw that complaint if the thieves come forward and they all share the money.
Jean-David said, “Without them, no one would have won.”
While that is true, there are still legal hoops they would have to jump through to make it happen. Debuisson said prosecutors may try to seize the winnings since they were illegally obtained gains.
Because of that, Debuisson has been running a campaign to get the thieves to contact his office and make a deal. He stated:
You risk nothing ... we will share with you. And you would be able to change your lives.
The clock is ticking
While the whole story is crazy and exciting, the clock is working against everyone involved. In France, scratch-off winners have 30 days to claim their winnings, or the ticket expires.
Because of that, Debuisson is urging the thieves to work with them and cut a deal. He said, “Time is working against us.”
Enjoy playing the lottery, and please remember to play responsibly.
Comments