A silverware manager employed at the Élysée Palace, the official residence of the French President, has been arrested on suspicion of stealing thousands of euros worth of tableware and silver items.

The Paris Prosecutor's Office announced that a silver service manager working at the Élysée Palace, the official residence of the French President, had been arrested on charges of stealing thousands of euros worth of silver tableware and serving sets. The prosecutor's office stated that three individuals involved in the incident would stand trial next year. It was noted that the head steward of the Élysée Palace noticed the shortage in the palace inventory and reported the situation to the authorities. The estimated value of the stolen items was stated to be between 15,000 and 40,000 euros.

The Sevres Manufactory, which supplies most of the palace's furniture and tableware, identified some of the missing pieces on online auction sites. Investigations into palace staff led inspectors to an employee responsible for the silverware. As the investigation deepened, it emerged that the employee had ties to the manager of a company selling tableware. The suspect's online sales profile contained plates marked “French Air Force” and ashtrays stamped “Sèvres Manufactory,” which were not available to the general public. Approximately 100 items were seized during searches of the silver officer's personal locker, vehicle, and home. The seized items were returned to the Élysée Palace.

It was reported that the three suspects who were taken into custody appeared before a judge on Thursday on charges of “stealing movable property that is part of the national heritage” and “accepting stolen property.” It was stated that the next hearing was postponed until February 26 and that the defendants were prohibited from communicating with each other and engaging in professional activities.