Another important building in France was the victim of theft: silverware worth several thousand dollars was stolen from the presidential palace in Paris, a few months after the robbery of the Louvre museum.
The authorities arrested the culprits. Three men who worked at the French president’s official residence will be tried next year for stealing silverware and a table worth between 15,000 and 40,000 euros.
It was the chief commissioner of the Élysée who was the first to report the disappearance. Several of the missing items were spotted on an online auction site, leading authorities to launch an investigation.
The investigative team determined that one of the silver stewards was behind the theft and its records suggest that additional thefts were planned.
Around a hundred objects were recovered from the steward, including a plaque stamped “Air Force” and “Manufacture Severes” ashtrays which are not accessible to the general public.
Two other suspects were arrested on Tuesday and all the items were returned to the Élysée.
The culprits, accused of theft of movable property classified 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 are now placed under judicial supervision and the trial has been postponed until February 2026.
