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Three men will be prosecuted next year against a silver steward working at the official residence of French The president was arrested this week for stealing thousands of euros worth of silverware and table service items Paris the prosecutor’s office said.
The head manager of the Elysee Palace was reported missing, with losses estimated at between 15,000 and 40,000 euros ($17,500-$47,000).
The Sèvres Manufactory – which supplied most of the furnishings – identified many of the missing items on online auction websites. After questioning Elysée staff investigators became suspicious of one of the silver stewards, whose inventory records gave the impression that he was planning future thefts.
Investigators established that the man was in a relationship with the manager of a company specializing in the online sale of goods, especially tableware. Investigators found a plate with “French Air Force” and a “Sèvres Manufactory” ashtray on his Vinted account, which is not available to the general public.
Approximately 100 items were found in Silver Steward’s personal locker, his vehicle, and his home. Items recovered included copper saucepans, Sèvres porcelain, a René Lalique statue and Baccarat champagne coupe.
Both were arrested on Tuesday. Investigators also identified a receiver of the stolen goods. The recovered objects were returned to the Elysee Palace.
The three suspects appeared in court on Thursday charged with jointly stealing movable property listed as part of the national heritage – a crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of 150,000 euros, as well as aggravated handling of stolen goods.
The case was adjourned till 26 February. The defendants were placed under judicial surveillance, banned from contacting each other, banned from appearing at auction sites, and their business activities were restricted.