Élysée Palace silver steward arrested for stealing thousands of euros’ worth of silverware

French Presidential Palace Employee Arrested in Heritage Theft Scheme

Three individuals are set to face trial in Paris next year following the arrest of a silver steward employed at the Élysée Palace, the official residence of the French president, for stealing valuable silverware and table service items. The theft, reported by the palace’s head steward, is estimated to have cost between €15,000 and €40,000 ($17,500-$47,000), according to the Paris prosecutor’s office.

The investigation began when officials at the prestigious Sèvres Manufactory, which provides many of the furnishings for the presidential palace, identified several missing items being sold on online auction websites. The Sèvres Manufactory has been producing fine porcelain since the 18th century and is considered a cornerstone of French cultural heritage, making the theft particularly significant.

After questioning palace staff, investigators focused their attention on one of the silver stewards whose inventory records suggested he was systematically planning thefts. Further investigation revealed the steward was in a relationship with the manager of a company specializing in online sales of tableware and decorative objects.

Evidence of the theft surfaced when investigators discovered a plate stamped “French Air Force” and “Sèvres Manufactory” ashtrays on the steward’s Vinted account – items not available to the general public. These pieces are part of France’s protected national heritage, which carries special legal protections and severe penalties for theft.

During searches of the steward’s personal locker, vehicle, and home, authorities recovered approximately 100 stolen objects. The haul included copper saucepans, Sèvres porcelain, a René Lalique statuette, and Baccarat champagne coupes – all items of significant cultural and monetary value. Baccarat crystal and Lalique pieces are considered among the finest examples of French luxury craftsmanship, with some individual pieces valued at thousands of euros.

The steward and his partner were arrested on Tuesday, and investigators also identified a third suspect believed to have received some of the stolen goods. All recovered items have since been returned to the Élysée Palace.

The three suspects appeared in court on Thursday facing serious charges of jointly stealing movable property listed as part of the national heritage, an offense that carries penalties of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of €150,000. Additional charges include aggravated handling of stolen goods.

The court postponed the trial until February 26 next year. In the meantime, the defendants have been placed under strict judicial supervision. They are prohibited from contacting one another, banned from appearing at auction venues, and barred from continuing their professional activities.

This case highlights ongoing concerns about the security of France’s national treasures, even in its most secure and prestigious locations. The Élysée Palace, built in the 18th century, houses numerous valuable artifacts and serves not only as the president’s residence but as a symbol of the French Republic itself.

Thefts of national heritage items have become a growing concern across Europe, with online marketplaces making it easier for stolen goods to be sold anonymously. French authorities have increasingly focused on protecting the country’s cultural patrimony through stricter oversight and harsher penalties for heritage crimes.

The incident also raises questions about vetting procedures for staff with access to valuable items in government institutions, particularly those responsible for inventorying and maintaining collections of historical significance.