PARIS — Three individuals will face trial next February following a sophisticated investigation into the theft of valuable silverware and table service items from the official residence of French President Emmanuel Macron. The Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed the case involves a silver steward employed at the Élysée Palace who allegedly orchestrated the theft of heritage items valued between €15,000-€40,000 ($17,500-$47,000).
The investigation commenced when the palace’s head steward reported numerous missing items from the presidential collection. Authorities from the Sèvres Manufactory, the official supplier of Élysée tableware, subsequently identified several distinctive pieces being offered on online auction platforms. This discovery prompted an internal review that revealed suspicious inventory records maintained by one silver steward, suggesting premeditation for additional thefts.
Forensic examination of the suspect’s digital footprint uncovered a relationship with the manager of an online tableware sales company. On the steward’s Vinted account, investigators discovered a plate marked “French Air Force” and exclusive Sèvres Manufactory ashtrays not available commercially. A comprehensive search of the primary suspect’s personal locker, vehicle, and residence yielded approximately 100 stolen objects, including copper saucepans, Sèvres porcelain, a René Lalique statuette, and Baccarat champagne coupes.
The steward and their accomplice were apprehended on Tuesday, while authorities identified a third individual as the exclusive receiver of the stolen goods. All recovered items have been returned to the Élysée Palace collection.
The three defendants appeared before court on Thursday facing charges of jointly stealing movable property classified as national heritage—an offense carrying penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment and €150,000 fines—along with aggravated handling of stolen goods. The court postponed the trial to February 26 and imposed strict judicial supervision measures, including contact bans between defendants, prohibition from auction venues, and suspension from professional activities.