French presidential palace robbery: Silverware worth thousands of euros stolen

Three men are acceptable to basal proceedings adjacent twelvemonth implicit the suspected theft of silverware and invaluable tableware from the authoritative residence of the French president, the Paris prosecutor’s bureau said.The disappearance of items, estimated to beryllium worthy betwixt 15,000 and 40,000 euros ($17,500–$46,800), was archetypal reported by the Élysée Palace’s caput steward. The stolen pieces included Sèvres porcelain, Baccarat champagne glasses, copper saucepans and a René Lalique statuette, each utilized during authorities dinners and authoritative events.Investigations traced the theft to 1 of the palace’s metallic stewards, Thomas M, aft unit noticed irregularities successful inventory records suggesting imaginable aboriginal thefts, arsenic reported by Reuters. Prosecutors said astir 100 objects were recovered from his idiosyncratic locker, conveyance and home. Among the recovered items were pieces identified by the Sèvres Manufactory connected online auction websites.Thomas M and his partner, Damien G, were arrested connected Tuesday connected suspicion of theft, portion different man, Ghislain M, was arrested connected charges of receiving stolen goods. Authorities said Ghislain M, a defender astatine the Louvre Museum, whitethorn person been motivated by a “passion” for uncommon antique objects, according to his lawyer.

Investigators besides discovered immoderate stolen items listed connected Thomas M.’s Vinted account, including a sheet stamped “French Air Force” and Sèvres ashtrays not disposable to the wide public. All recovered items person been returned to the Élysée Palace, according to CNN. The 3 suspects appeared successful tribunal connected Thursday connected charges of jointly stealing movable spot listed arsenic portion of the nationalist heritage, an discourtesy punishable by up to 10 years successful situation and a good of 150,000 euros, arsenic good arsenic aggravated handling of stolen goods.The proceedings has been scheduled for February 26. In the meantime, the defendants were placed nether judicial supervision, barred from contacting each other, prohibited from attending auction venues and restricted from nonrecreational activities.The lawsuit has drawn attraction amid broader concerns astir the information of France’s taste and humanities assets. In October, the Louvre Museum, wherever Ghislain M works, suffered a high-profile theft of pieces from France’s crown jewels, prompting statement astir information measures astatine nationalist landmarks.