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Three individuals are set to face trial next year following the arrest of a silver steward employed at the French president’s official residence, accused of stealing silverware and table service valued at several thousand euros, according to the Paris prosecutor’s office.
The head steward at the Élysée Palace reported the missing items, with losses estimated between €15,000 and €40,000 (approximately $26,500 to $70,700).
Several missing items were identified by the Sèvres Manufactory, the supplier of most furnishings, on various online auction platforms.
During the investigation, questioning led authorities to focus on one of the silver stewards, whose inventory records suggested he might have been planning additional thefts.
Further investigation revealed that this steward was romantically involved with the manager of a company that specializes in selling goods online, including tableware. On his Vinted account, investigators found a plate marked “French Air Force” and “Sèvres Manufactory” ashtrays, items not available to the public.
About 100 objects were found in the silver steward’s personal locker, his vehicle and their home. Among the items recovered were copper saucepans, Sèvres porcelain, a René Lalique statuette and Baccarat champagne coupes.
The two were arrested on Tuesday. Investigators also identified a single receiver of the stolen goods. The recovered items were returned to the Élysée Palace.
The three suspects appeared in court on Thursday on charges of jointly stealing movable property listed as part of the national heritage — an offense punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a €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.