A senior staff member at France’s presidential Élysée Palace is set to stand trial following allegations of systematically stealing valuable tableware from the official collection. Thomas M, identified as the palace’s chief butler, stands accused of pilfering approximately 100 precious items including Baccarat Champagne glasses, Sèvres porcelain plates, solid silver cutlery, and a René Lalique figurine over several months.
Investigators discovered the missing objects—valued between €15,000 and €40,000—in Thomas M’s locker, vehicle, and personal residence. Evidence suggests he attempted to sell portions of the collection through his Vinted account, with officials from Sèvres porcelain factory confirming identification of their items on various online auction platforms.
The alleged theft operation involved sophisticated methods, with prosecutors indicating Thomas M falsified official records to conceal the missing items. The inventory documentation suggested he was planning additional thefts before being apprehended.
Two accomplices face related charges: Damien G, Thomas M’s partner and manager of an online auction company, was arrested on suspicion of involvement in the thefts. Ghislain M, a Louvre Museum guard described as having a ‘passion’ for rare antiques, was arrested the following day accused of receiving stolen goods. He has been suspended from his position pending trial.
The case emerges just months after Paris’s Louvre Museum suffered a separate €88 million jewel heist, raising concerns about security protocols at France’s most prestigious institutions. The Élysée Palace has already initiated recruitment proceedings for a new chief butler according to TF1 Info reports.
The trial is scheduled for February, marking a significant embarrassment for French presidential operations ahead of high-profile state functions.