A senior staff member at France's presidential Élysée Palace, Thomas M, will stand trial for allegedly stealing precious tableware. He is the palace’s chief butler and argentier, responsible for handling silver and setting tables at major state events. Authorities found about 100 missing items from the presidential collection in Thomas M's locker, car, and home. The items included Baccarat Champagne glasses, Sèvres porcelain plates, solid silver cutlery, and a René Lalique figurine. These are valued between €15,000 and €40,000 (£13,000 and £35,000). Some items appeared on his Vinted account and online auction sites, as officials at Sèvres confirmed. Thomas M allegedly stole the goods over several months and falsified inventory records to hide the theft. Prosecutors say the inventory suggested he planned to steal more. Two other men are also facing trial. Damien G, Thomas M’s partner and an online auction company manager, was arrested for theft suspicion. Ghislain M, a former Louvre guard accused of receiving stolen goods, was barred from returning to the museum until the trial. Thomas M was arrested on 16 December, with the trial set for February. The Élysée Palace has already put out a job ad to replace him. This case follows a recent massive heist at the Louvre, where jewels valued at €88 million were stolen. The lawyer of Ghislain M said his "passion" for rare antiques led to his involvement. This high-profile theft from the heart of French power draws attention to palace security and trust within the presidential staff.