Élysée Palace Staff Member Accused of Stealing Tableware Valued Up to €40,000

Élysée Palace Rocked by High-Value Tableware Theft

A silver steward employed at the Élysée Palace, the official residence of the French president in Paris, has been accused of stealing valuable tableware and other items estimated to be worth between €15,000 and €40,000. The individual, identified as Tomas M., along with two alleged accomplices, Damien G. and Ghislain M., will stand trial in February 2026 on charges related to the theft and handling of stolen goods.

Investigation Uncovers Online Sales and Extensive Recovery

The alleged thefts came to light after the palace's head steward reported missing items. The investigation gained traction when staff from the Sèvres Manufactory, a historic porcelain factory that supplies much of the palace's tableware, recognized some of the missing pieces on online auction platforms, including Vinted.

Authorities traced the activity to Tomas M., whose inventory records reportedly showed irregularities suggesting plans for further thefts. Investigators recovered approximately 100 objects from his home, vehicle, and personal locker. The recovered items include:

• Sèvres porcelain
• Baccarat champagne coupes
• Copper saucepans
• A René Lalique statuette

Some of the items found were distinctly marked, such as a plate stamped 'French Air Force' and ashtrays bearing the 'Sèvres Manufactory' seal, items not typically available to the general public.

Accomplices Identified and Charges Filed

Further investigation revealed that Tomas M. was in a relationship with Damien G., who manages a company specializing in online sales of tableware and decorative objects. A third individual, Ghislain M., a guard at the Louvre Museum, was also implicated and accused of receiving stolen property.

The three suspects appeared in court on December 18, 2025, and have been charged with jointly stealing movable property classified as part of France's national heritage, as well as aggravated handling of stolen goods. These offenses carry potential penalties of up to 10 years in prison and a €150,000 fine.

Judicial Supervision and Broader Concerns

Currently, the defendants are under judicial supervision, which includes prohibitions on contacting one another, appearing at auction venues, and continuing their professional activities. All recovered items have been successfully returned to the Élysée Palace.

This incident occurs amidst a series of high-profile thefts from other significant French cultural institutions in recent months, including the Louvre Museum, raising broader concerns about the security of the nation's valuable heritage assets.