In France, a strange lottery story is developing after two unnamed guys bought a scratch-off ticket using a stolen bank card, won €500,000 ($523,000), and disappeared before they could claim their winnings. As it stands, they’re among France’s most famous fugitives.
The card’s rightful owner, identified in police records as Jean-David E., is now making a surprising offer: he’s willing to split the winnings with the thieves if they return his wallet.
As of Saturday, France’s state lottery operator, La Française des Jeux (FDJ), confirmed that no one has stepped forward to cash in the winning ticket.
Jean-David’s lawyer, Pierre Debuisson, described the case as “an incredible story, but it’s all true.”
Earlier this month, Jean-David’s backpack was stolen from his car in Toulouse. The bag contained his bank cards and important documents. After reporting the theft, he discovered his card had already been used in a local store.
When he visited the shop, a vendor revealed that two seemingly homeless men had used his card to buy a lottery ticket. According to the shopkeeper, the men were so overjoyed by their win that they forgot their belongings, including cigarettes, as they rushed out.
Jean-David reported the theft to the police but has since had a change of heart. He is now willing to withdraw his complaint if the thieves come forward to claim the prize together.
“Without them, no one would have won,” he said during an interview with French broadcaster France-2.
His lawyer has also issued a public appeal urging the men to reach out. “You risk nothing,” Debuisson stated. “We will share with you, and you would be able to change your lives.”
While Jean-David is open to negotiating, legal experts suggest the winnings may be at risk. Prosecutors could argue that the money was obtained illegally, which may lead to it being seized by authorities.
With the lottery ticket still unclaimed, time is running out. Lottery rules dictate that winnings must be collected within a specific period before expiring.
Jean-David’s lawyer has warned the men that their window of opportunity is closing. “Time is working against us,” he said.
For now, the €500,000 prize remains in limbo, while the mysterious winners, now among France’s most famous fugitives—remain at large.
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