A former jailbird who hit the lottery jackpot has revealed he spent more than half of it on real estate but nevertheless still lives with his parents.
Reformed drug and gambling addict Kursat Yildirim, 43, known as Chico to friends, turned his life around after winning EUR 10 million (GBP 8.7 million) in the German lottery last year.
Now Chico stunned his followers by disclosing that he splashed nearly EUR 7 million (GBP 6.1 million) on real estate.
The former crane operator, who came to Dortmund, North Rhine-Westphalia, with his Turkish parents at the age of 12, did not say what kind of properties he acquired.
But when he admits having spent EUR 6.7 million (GBP 5.8 million) this way, his girlfriend Candice Newgas decides to intervene by saying: “You have to point out that the money is not gone. There’s cash flow from your investments.”
Chico confidently added: “Don’t worry, I still got enough money to spend.”
Candice, a 36-year-old police officer, reportedly ignored his messages for months but only accepted an invitation for a first date after he made his lottery scoop public.
One of Chico’s followers asked the couple whether she had given up her day job due to the windfall.
Chico reacted by saying: “I’m not a sugar daddy, she’s still with the police.”
His stunning red-headed girlfriend added: “That’s correct. The only thing that has changed is that I’m not on patrol anymore. I now work on a prevention project.”
Chico made headlines by being totally open about his lottery win and how he was spending the money.
His revelation of having spent GBP 5.8 million on real estate has left his fans dumbfounded since he has been on a massive shopping spree ever since winning the jackpot.
Chico not just splashed GBP 392,000 on a V8 Ferrari 448 Pista and a further GBP 178,000 on a Porsche Turbo S Cabriolet. He also spent eye-watering sums on luxury watches and designer clothes.
In his latest Q&A fan video, which has gathered more than 8,000 views within 24 hours, Chico reflected on his new life by saying: “I really enjoy everything right now.”
He added with a big smile on his face: “My goal is to stay in the media as long as possible. But without causing scandals, of course.
“I have to say I’d love to shoot a movie and become a flagship model for a big brand.”
When a follower wants to know whether he is living with Candice Chico admits: “Guys, you have probably never seen such a multimillionaire. I still live with my parents.”
He explained: “I’m very happy. Don’t know. You must not forget where you are coming from.”
When Chico adds that he is “of course looking for a nice house” and once more emphasises how happy he is, Candice starts to chuckle.
Chico continued: “I spend a lot of time at her place.”
She then interrupts him by saying: “Claiming ‘never forget where you come from’ is a great way to justify you’re still living with your mum at the age of 43.”
The social media video, which also shows Chico casually pulling a EUR 500 from his pocket, comes on the back of Chico’s remarkable appearance in a late-night chat show.
Asked why he decided to lavishly spend large amounts of his lottery jackpot, Chico told the hosts of public broadcaster WDR’s Koelner Treff programme: “I come from the streets. Two years ago, I was still in prison.
“I was a lost soul, addicted to drugs and gambling. When I got the money, I indulged in it a bit.”
Chico said he was still playing the lottery but managed to finish all his other addictions.
He said: “The past 10 years have been insane. That’s why I’d really like to take the opportunity to appeal to you all: Hands off the drugs.
“I was just lucky but you might have to pay with your life. My family had to endure a lot. I made every possible mistake.”
Speaking about his first decisions after learning that he is a multimillionaire, he said: “I wanted to give a lot. I started doing so immediately. At food banks and for children who suffer from cancer.”
Chico added: “And I settled my debts. You know, I had had debts with literally everyone in my neighbourhood.”
He explained: “I owed EUR 2,000 to some people. I’d go and tell them: There you go, here are EUR 5,000. Those who helped me out with EUR 8,000 got EUR 15,000.”
The first episode of a real-life documentary on his post-jackpot endeavours entitled ‘New Life, New Happiness!?’ will be broadcast by private television channel VOX at primetime tonight (24th November).
Netizens have been delighted by Chico’s no-holds-barred attitude.
User ‘StefanHobeck8100’ commented: “I love this guy. Only the best for him. He’ll never go bust as he’s got a family who are taking care of him.”
‘TanjaMarder7322’ reacted by saying: “Finally someone who deserves to win the jackpot. He’s got a big heart and helps others. You hardly see that nowadays.”
‘MissColazitrone’ just added: “They are a lovely couple! So authentic.”
And ‘Droogie1282’ said: “If you’d keep your fingers crossed for someone to win the lottery, it has to be this guy. Enjoy it, Chico. And, seriously, I hope you hit the jackpot a second time!”
