A high-ranking employee at the French presidential residence is set to appear in court over accusations of pilfering valuable dining items from official collections.
Approximately one hundred objects that had vanished from the presidential inventory were reportedly discovered in the locker, vehicle, and residence of Thomas M, identified as the chief butler of the Élysée Palace. He will face trial with two other individuals.
Authorities indicate that some of the items, estimated to be valued between €15,000 and €40,000, were located on his Vinted profile.
This incident follows shortly after the Louvre Museum in Paris experienced an audacious robbery where jewels worth €88 million were taken.
French news sources noted that Thomas M's responsibilities as head butler and argentier involved arranging tables for state dinners and other high-profile occasions.
He is charged with diverting the items over a period of months and altering records to conceal his actions.
Among the purportedly stolen articles are solid silver utensils and a figurine by René Lalique.
Prosecutors state that the inventory maintained by Thomas M indicated intentions to appropriate additional goods.
According to TF1 Info, the Élysée has already advertised for a replacement for his position.
Representatives from Sèvres, the state-owned porcelain manufacturer, recognized some of their products on internet auction platforms, including a plate with an air force emblem and ashtrays.
Thomas M was taken into custody on Tuesday, December 16, on theft suspicions, along with his partner Damien G, who is a collector and oversees an online auction firm.
A third individual, Ghislain M, was apprehended the following day, accused of handling stolen property. His attorney cited his "passion" for rare antiques as a factor in his alleged participation.
Per Le Parisen, which initially covered the story, he was employed as a guard at the Louvre during that time and has been prohibited from returning until the trial concludes.
The trial is planned for February.
