France’s presidential silverware keeper and two other men are suspected of stealing thousands of euros’ worth of porcelain and other tableware from the president’s official residence
3 suspects in Elysee Palace silverware theft to stand trial
France’s presidential silverware keeper and two other men are suspected of stealing thousands of euros’ worth of porcelain and other tableware from the president’s official residence.
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Visitors view a table dressed with plates and glasses for official dinners at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France
The Elysee Palace hosts state dinners and other events
Three men are set to stand trial next year over the suspected theft of thousands of euros’ worth of silverware from France’s Elysee Palace.
Paris prosecutors said silverware keeper Thomas M. and his partner Damien G. were arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of stealing porcelain and other valuable tableware from the president’s official residence.
A third man, Ghislain M., has also been arrested in connection with the theft.
The prosecution office said the Elysee Palace had reported the disappearance of the items, which are used for state dinners, with an estimated value of between €15,000 and €40,000 ($17,500 and $46,800).Live TV
3 suspects in Elysee Palace silverware theft to stand trial
France’s presidential silverware keeper and two other men are suspected of stealing thousands of euros’ worth of porcelain and other tableware from the president’s official residence.
Visitors view a table dressed with plates and glasses for official dinners at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France
The Elysee Palace hosts state dinners and other events
Three men are set to stand trial next year over the suspected theft of thousands of euros’ worth of silverware from France’s Elysee Palace.
Paris prosecutors said silverware keeper Thomas M. and his partner Damien G. were arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of stealing porcelain and other valuable tableware from the president’s official residence.
A third man, Ghislain M., has also been arrested in connection with the theft.
The prosecution office said the Elysee Palace had reported the disappearance of the items, which are used for state dinners, with an estimated value of between €15,000 and €40,000 ($17,500 and $46,800).
General view of the Elysee Palace, the French President’s official residence, in Paris, FranceGeneral view of the Elysee Palace, the French President’s official residence, in Paris, France
The Elysee has been the official presidential residence since 1848
What do we know about the suspected Elysee Palace theft?
Investigators questioning Elysee staff honed in on one of the silver stewards, whose inventory records suggested he was planning to steal more items.
They said around 100 objects, including copper pots, Sevres porcelain, a Rene Lalique statuette and Baccarat champagne glasses, were found in Thomas M.’s personal locker, his vehicle and his home.
Police noted that Thomas M. is in a relationship with Damien G., the manager of a company that specializes in online sales of items, particularly silverware.
The third suspect, Ghislain M., worked as a guard at the Louvre museum, according to Le Parisien newspaper.
He has been banned from returning to work at the museum until the trial, which is set for February, is completed.
The Louvre was the scene of a spectacular heist in October, when thieves disguised as construction workers stole some of the nation’s most precious crown jewels — worth €88 million — in broad daylight.
