• Three men arrested for stealing silverware from the Elysee Palace.
• The estimated loss of items ranges from €15,000 to €40,000.
• Stolen items included valuable porcelain, copper pots, and champagne glasses.

Three individuals, including a silver steward employed at the Elysee Palace, are set to stand trial next year after being arrested for the theft of items valued between €15,000 and €40,000 (approximately US$17,500 to US$47,000). The Paris prosecutor's office confirmed the charges related to the theft of silverware and table service from the French presidential residence, as reported by Channel News Asia and South China Morning Post.

The investigation, led by the head steward of the Elysee Palace, revealed that several missing items were identified on online auction websites by the Sèvres Manufactory. Investigators found approximately 100 objects in the steward's possession, including luxury items such as Sèvres porcelain, Baccarat champagne glasses, and copper pots, illustrating a significant breach of trust in one of France's key heritage sites. This was highlighted in reports by Al Jazeera and Channel News Asia.

During questioning, the silver steward, identified as Thomas M, showed signs of intent to steal further items, suggesting a calculated approach to the theft over time. Alongside him, his partner and a third man, suspected of receiving the stolen goods, were also arrested. The authorities have placed the defendants under judicial supervision, prohibiting contact between them and barring them from auction venues, according to South China Morning Post and Al Jazeera.

The trial is currently scheduled for February 26, during which the suspects face serious allegations of stealing property classified as part of France's national heritage, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and substantial fines. This incident underlines not only the theft but also the need for tightened security regarding items of national importance, as noted by Al Jazeera and South China Morning Post.