Élysée Palace Steward Arrested Over Theft of Historic Silverware. French authorities arrested a silver steward employed at the Élysée Palace over the theft of silverware and table service items worth up to €40,000. The theft was reported by the head steward at the Élysée Palace, after dozens of items went missing from the French president’s official residence. Investigators said the loss was estimated at between €15,000 and €40,000, with many objects supplied by the Sèvres Manufactory. Several missing items were later identified on online auction platforms, prompting police to focus on one steward whose inventory records raised suspicion. Authorities said the suspect was linked to an online resale business and had listed restricted items on Vinted, including Sèvres ashtrays marked for official use. Around 100 objects were recovered from the suspect’s locker, car and home, including copper saucepans, Sèvres porcelain, a René Lalique statuette and Baccarat champagne coupes. Three suspects, including the steward, his partner and an alleged receiver of the goods, appeared in court on charges linked to theft of national heritage property. The trial was postponed to February 26, with the defendants placed under judicial supervision and barred from professional and auction-related activities.