Elysee Palace Silverware Keeper to Stand Trial Over Alleged Porcelain Theft

France’s presidential silverware keeper and two other men will stand trial over the suspected theft of valuable porcelain and tableware from the Elysee Palace, Paris prosecutors said. The presidency had reported the disappearance of items used during state dinners and official events, with the total value of the missing objects estimated between €15,000 and €40,000. The French presidency has not commented on the case so far.

Prosecutors said the silverware keeper, identified as Thomas M., and his partner Damien G. were arrested on suspicion of theft, while a third man, Ghislain M., was detained on suspicion of receiving stolen goods. Investigators found around 100 items in Thomas M.’s locker, car and home, including copper pots, Sevres porcelain and Baccarat champagne glasses. Authorities said suspicious inventory adjustments had raised internal alarms, suggesting the thefts may have been planned in advance.

Some stolen items were allegedly offered for sale online, including air force-stamped plates and ashtrays found on a resale platform. Sevres, a key supplier to the Elysee, later identified several missing pieces on auction websites, with some items since recovered. Ghislain M., who reportedly worked as a guard at the Louvre Museum, has been barred from returning to his post pending trial, which is scheduled for February.

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