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Three men are set to stand trial next year over the suspected theft of silverware and valuable tableware from the official residence of the French president, the Paris prosecutor’s office said.The disappearance of items, estimated to be worth between 15,000 and 40,000 euros ($17,500–$46,800), was first reported by the Élysée Palace’s head steward. The stolen pieces included Sèvres porcelain, Baccarat champagne glasses, copper saucepans and a René Lalique statuette, all used during state dinners and official events.Investigations traced the theft to one of the palace’s silver stewards, Thomas M, after staff noticed irregularities in inventory records suggesting potential future thefts, as reported by Reuters. Prosecutors said around 100 objects were recovered from his personal locker, vehicle and home. Among the recovered items were pieces identified by the Sèvres Manufactory on online auction websites.Thomas M and his partner, Damien G, were arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of theft, while another man, Ghislain M, was arrested on charges of receiving stolen goods. Authorities said Ghislain M, a guard at the Louvre Museum, may have been motivated by a “passion” for rare antique objects, according to his lawyer. Investigators also discovered some stolen items listed on Thomas M.’s Vinted account, including a plate stamped “French Air Force” and Sèvres ashtrays not available to the general public. All recovered items have been returned to the Élysée Palace, according to CNN. The three suspects appeared in court on 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 fine of 150,000 euros, as well as aggravated handling of stolen goods.The trial has been scheduled for February 26. In the meantime, the defendants were placed under judicial supervision, barred from contacting each other, prohibited from attending auction venues and restricted from professional activities.The case has drawn attention amid broader concerns about the security of France’s cultural and historical assets. In October, the Louvre Museum, where Ghislain M works, suffered a high-profile theft of pieces from France’s crown jewels, prompting debate about security measures at national landmarks.
