Another prominent building in France has fallen victim to theft as silverware worth thousands of dollars was stolen from the presidential palace in Paris, months after the Louvre museum heist.
Authorities have caught the culprits, three men who worked in the French president’s official residence will stand trial next year for stealing silverware and a table worth between 15,000 and 40,000 euros.
The chief steward of the Élysée Palace first reported the disappearance. Several of the missing items were discovered on an online auction site, prompting authorities to launch an investigation.
The investigative team determined that one of the silver stewards was behind the theft, and his records indicated that further thefts were planned.
About 100 items were found on the steward, including a plate stamped “French Air Force” and “Severes Manufactory” ashtrays, which are not available to the public.
Two other suspects were arrested on Tuesday and all the items were returned to the Élysée Palace.
The culprits, charged with stealing movable property listed as national heritage, appeared in court on Thursday. They risk up to 10 years in prison and a fine of 150,000 euros.
The defendants have now been placed under judicial supervision, and the trial has been postponed until February 2026.
