Robbers in France who stole a man's backpack and bought lottery scratch-off tickets with the money in the man's wallet have won over $500K - but they have a huge dilemma now. They can't redeem the winning ticket for fear of being arrested. But the man from whom they stole the backpack has a unique proposal: they could share the winnings and not go to prison.

A pair of thieves who stole the backpack of a man, including his wallet, have won a staggering €500,000 (US$526,224) jackpot after purchasing a scratch-off lottery ticket with the stolen funds. However, their newfound fortune has placed them in a precarious position, as they are now fugitives wanted by the police. The victim of the robbery, in a surprising turn, is willing to share the winnings if the criminals come forward.

The unbelievable stroke of luck

The dramatic story unfolded in Toulouse, France's fourth-largest city, when a man identified in police records as Jean-David E. discovered his backpack had been stolen from his vehicle. Inside the bag was his wallet, containing his debit and credit cards. Realizing what had happened, Jean-David promptly reported the theft to the police and contacted his bank to freeze his accounts. That's when he learned that suspicious transactions had been made with his stolen cards, including the purchase of several scratch-off lottery tickets.

The purchases were tracked to a local Toulouse shop where detectives conversed with a cashier who recalled two homeless-looking men buying multiple scratch-offs. To their astonishment, one of the tickets turned out to be the grand prize winner of €500,000.

The cashier said that they were so happy they forgot their cigarettes and belongings and walked out like crazy people, said Jean-David's attorney, Pierre Debuisson, recounting the moment of the win.

The criminals' dilemma

Despite holding a life-changing ticket, the thieves now face a serious problem: redeeming it would likely result in their immediate arrest. Authorities are aware of their windfall and could seize the winnings, considering they were obtained through fraudulent means. France's national lottery operator, La Francaise des Jeux (FDJ), has not disclosed the specific game in which the jackpot was won but has confirmed that a significant prize remains unclaimed.

Under French law, lottery winnings can be subject to seizure if they are linked to criminal activity. This places the two fugitives in a difficult position - either claim the money and risk legal repercussions or forgo their fortune altogether.

A compelling offer from the victim

While the law is clear, Jean-David's lawyer has presented an alternative solution. In an unexpected move, Debuisson is offering the thieves a chance to negotiate a deal. "You risk nothing. We will share with you, and you will be able to change your lives," Debuisson said, inviting the fugitives to his office to work out a settlement.

It remains uncertain whether the two individuals will take him up on the offer or remain on the run. However, even if they do accept, there is no guarantee that authorities will allow them to keep the money. The police may seize the funds as illegally obtained gains, leaving both the thieves and Jean-David without a share of the jackpot.

Legal precedents and implications

Lottery disputes are not uncommon, and courts have typically ruled that possession of a winning ticket is paramount. In a high-profile US case that we covered recently, Edwin Castro, winner of the record-breaking $2.04 billion Powerball jackpot in 2023, faced a lawsuit from a man claiming the ticket was stolen. However, a Los Angeles court ruled that possession is key, stating that the player in control of the ticket is the presumed owner.

This case in France presents a unique legal question: Can lottery winnings be considered legitimate if the funds used to purchase the ticket were stolen? The outcome may set a new precedent in France’s lottery laws.

A high-stakes gamble

For now, the fate of the €500,000 jackpot remains in limbo. The thieves, aware that their lucky ticket could lead to their arrest, have yet to make a move. Jean-David's offer of a share may tempt them out of hiding, but the legal consequences could still prove too great.