Élysée Palace Theft: Ex-Official Among Those on Trial for €350K Porcelain Heist
Paris – The trial of three men accused of stealing silverware and porcelain from the Élysée Palace, the official residence of the French President, began today in Paris. The case centers on the disappearance of items valued at over €350,000, with one of the defendants being a former head steward responsible for the palace’s silverware.
The thefts came to light in December 2025, when the Élysée Palace’s head steward reported missing items to authorities. The estimated loss initially ranged between €15,000 and €40,000, but investigators later determined the value to be significantly higher. The Sèvres Manufactory, which supplies much of the palace’s furnishings, assisted in identifying stolen pieces appearing on online auction sites, according to reports from France 24.
Investigators focused on a silver steward whose inventory records suggested preparations for further thefts. Evidence revealed a relationship between the steward and the manager of a company specializing in online sales of tableware. A Vinted account linked to the steward was found to contain a plate stamped with “French Air Force” markings and Sèvres Manufactory ashtrays – items not available to the public. A search of the steward’s locker, vehicle and home uncovered approximately 100 stolen objects, including copper saucepans, Sèvres porcelain, a René Lalique statuette, and Baccarat champagne coupes.
The investigation expanded to include two additional suspects, identifying one individual as a receiver of the stolen goods. All three men appeared in court today facing charges of jointly stealing movable property listed as part of the national heritage – an offense punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a €150,000 fine – as well as aggravated handling of stolen goods. The trial was initially scheduled for last year but was postponed to February 26, 2026, as reported by CNN.
The case follows a separate, high-profile theft from the Louvre Museum, prompting increased scrutiny of security measures at French national institutions. While details of the Louvre heist remain separate, the timing of both incidents has raised concerns about vulnerabilities in the protection of France’s cultural heritage.
The Élysée Palace has not yet commented on specific security adjustments following the recovery of the stolen items. The outcome of the trial, and any potential sentencing, remains to be seen, leaving questions about the extent of internal security breaches and the future protection of France’s presidential collections.