Élysée Staffer Faces Trial Over Stolen Tableware
A senior employee at France’s presidential palace is set to face trial over allegations that valuable tableware was stolen from the Élysée’s official collections. Investigators say nearly 100 items reported missing, including Baccarat champagne flutes, Sèvres porcelain plates, solid silver cutlery and a René Lalique figurine, were later discovered in the locker, vehicle and home of Thomas M, identified by French media as the palace’s chief butler. He will appear in court alongside two other defendants. Prosecutors estimate the value of the items at between €15,000 and €40,000. Some of the objects were allegedly found listed for sale on Thomas M’s account on the online marketplace Vinted, raising suspicions of organised resale. According to investigators, Thomas M was responsible for overseeing valuable silverware and preparing tables for state banquets and high-profile official events. He is accused of removing items over […]
