Three men are set to face trial next year following the arrest of a silver steward from the Élysée Palace, the official residence of the French president, on charges of stealing valuable silverware and tableware. The Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed the theft, which involved items worth several thousand euros.
The head steward at the Élysée Palace reported the missing items, estimating the loss to be between €15,000 and €40,000 (approximately $26,500 to $70,700).
Many of the missing items originated from the Sèvres Manufactory, the primary supplier of the palace’s furnishings. These items were later identified on various online auction platforms.
During their investigation, authorities questioned Élysée Palace staff and soon focused on one of the silver stewards. His inventory records suggested he might have been planning additional thefts.
Further investigation revealed the steward was romantically involved with the manager of a company that specializes in selling items online, including tableware. On his Vinted account, authorities found a plate marked “French Air Force” and ashtrays from the Sèvres Manufactory, items not available for public purchase.
Approximately 100 objects were discovered in the steward’s personal locker, his car, and his home. Among the recovered items were copper saucepans, Sèvres porcelain pieces, a Renée Lalique statuette, and Baccarat champagne glasses.
The two were arrested on Tuesday. Investigators also identified a single receiver of the stolen goods. The recovered items were returned to the Ãlysée Palace.
The three suspects appeared in court on Thursday on charges of jointly stealing movable property listed as part of the national heritage â an offense punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a â¬150,000 ($265,000) fine, as well as aggravated handling of stolen goods.
The trial was postponed to February 26. The defendants were placed under judicial supervision, banned from contacting one another, prohibited from appearing at auction venues and barred from their professional activities.
