Paris: Three people are set to stand trial next year after a silver steward at the French president’s official residence was arrested for stealing silverware and tableware valued at tens of thousands of euros, according to the Paris prosecutor’s office.

The theft was first reported by the Élysée Palace’s head steward, with estimated losses ranging from €15,000 to €40,000 ($17,500–$47,000). Several of the missing items were later identified on online auction platforms by the Sèvres Manufactory, which supplied much of the palace’s tableware.

Investigators found that one of the palace’s silver stewards had altered inventory records, hinting at possible future thefts. He was in a relationship with the manager of a company that specializes in selling luxury tableware online. On his Vinted account, investigators found a plate marked “French Air Force” and ashtrays from the Sèvres Manufactory — items not sold to the public.

Police recovered approximately 100 stolen objects from the steward’s personal locker, his vehicle and the couple’s home. Confiscated items included copper saucepans, Sèvres porcelain, a René Lalique statuette, and Baccarat champagne coupes.

The two main suspects were arrested on Tuesday. Authorities also traced a single receiver of the stolen goods. All recovered items have since been returned to the Élysée Palace.

The trio appeared in court Thursday on charges of joint theft of movable property listed as national heritage, carrying penalties of up to 10 years in prison and a €150,000 fine, along with aggravated handling of stolen property.

The trial has been rescheduled for February 26. In the meantime, the defendants are under judicial supervision, barred from contacting each other, prohibited from attending auctions, and restricted from professional activities.