Worker at France's Elysee Palace to face trial over alleged theft

"France's presidential silverware keeper and two other men are set to stand trial over the alleged theft of porcelain and other tableware worth thousands of euros, the Paris prosecution office has said. Prosecutors said the silverware keeper Thomas M and his partner Damien G were arrested on suspicion of theft on Tuesday. Another man, Ghislain M, was arrested on suspicion of receiving stolen goods. Their full names were not given due to French privacy customs."

"The three suspects appeared in court Thursday on charges of jointly stealing moveable property listed as part of the national heritage an offence punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a 150,000-euro ($175,000) fine, as well as aggravated handling of stolen goods. The trial was postponed to February 26. The defendants were placed under judicial supervision, banned from contacting one another, prohibited from appearing at auction venues and barred from their professional activities."

Three people were arrested in connection with the suspected theft of presidential silverware and tableware valued between €15,000 and €40,000. The presidential silverware keeper, Thomas M, and his partner Damien G were arrested on suspicion of theft. A third man, Ghislain M, was arrested on suspicion of receiving stolen goods. About 100 objects were found in Thomas M's personal locker, vehicle and home, including copper pots, Sevres porcelain and Baccarat champagne glasses. Investigators found air force-stamped items being sold on Vinted that are not available to the general public. The suspects face charges including stealing moveable national heritage property and aggravated handling of stolen goods, and were placed under judicial supervision with multiple bans ahead of a trial postponed to February 26.

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