PARIS — A group of thieves managed to purchase a winning lottery ticket in France worth an impressive 500,000 euros ($523,000) using a stolen bank card. However, the culprits vanished before they could cash in the prize, leading them to become some of the most sought-after individuals in the country.

The rightful owner of the stolen card, referred to in official documents as Jean-David E., has expressed his desire to split the prize with the fortunate ticket holders, while also seeking the return of his stolen belongings.

As of Saturday, the state lottery organization, La Française des Jeux (FDJ), reported that the winning ticket had yet to be presented for cashing out, putting the thieves under increasing pressure from law enforcement. “It’s an extraordinary tale, but it’s entirely true,” said Jean-David’s lawyer, Pierre Debuisson.

The incident unfolded earlier this month when Jean-David discovered his backpack, containing bank cards and other essential items, missing from his vehicle in Toulouse. After realizing the theft, he promptly requested that his bank block the compromised card, only to find out that it had already been used in a local store.

According to the shop owner, two seemingly homeless individuals bought the winning scratch-off ticket using Jean-David’s card. “They were so elated that they left behind their cigarettes and other things, rushing out like madmen,” recounted Debuisson.

Jean-David has reported the theft to the authorities but indicated he would be willing to drop the complaint if the thieves come forward to negotiate a split of the winnings. “If it weren’t for their actions, there wouldn’t have been a winner,” Jean-David stated during an interview on France-2.

However, legal experts suggest that prosecutors may intervene to confiscate the lottery winnings on the grounds that they were acquired through illicit means, as explained by the lawyer.

In an effort to reach the thieves, Debuisson issued a national appeal for them to contact his office to strike a deal. “There’s no risk involved… we can share the prize,” he said. “This could be a chance for a fresh start.”

He also cautioned that the validity of the ticket will eventually expire, hence time is of the essence. “The clock is ticking against us,” Debuisson warned.