PARIS – Next year, three individuals will face trial following the arrest of a silver steward employed at the Élysée Palace, the official residence of the French president, who has been implicated in the theft of valuable silverware and table service. According to the Paris prosecutor’s office, the stolen items are valued at several thousand euros.

The disappearance was initially reported by the head steward at the Élysée Palace, with losses estimated between 15,000 and 40,000 euros (approximately $17,500 to $47,000).

The Sèvres Manufactory, a renowned supplier responsible for much of the palace’s furnishings, recognized some of the missing items listed on various online auction platforms. During their investigation, authorities questioned several Élysée staff members, which led them to suspect one particular silver steward. Alarmingly, his inventory records hinted at plans for further thefts.

Further scrutiny revealed that this steward was romantically involved with a manager of a company that specializes in the online sale of goods, including tableware. Investigators uncovered a Vinted account linked to him, featuring a plate marked with “French Air Force” and ashtrays from the “Sèvres Manufactory,” items not available to the public.

Authorities recovered around 100 objects from the steward’s personal locker, vehicle, and home. The collection included copper saucepans, Sèvres porcelain, a René Lalique statuette, and Baccarat champagne glasses.

The two were arrested 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 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-euro fine, as well as aggravated handling of stolen goods.

The trial was postponed to Feb. 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.