PARIS — Three men will stand trial next year after a silver steward employed at France’s presidential palace was arrested over the theft of silverware and table service worth tens of thousands of euros, the Paris prosecutor’s office said.

The thefts were reported by the head steward of the Élysée Palace, with losses estimated between 15,000 and 40,000 euros ($17,500–$47,000).

Investigators said the missing items were traced to online auction platforms after the Sèvres Manufactory, which supplies much of the palace’s tableware, identified several pieces for sale.

The inquiry led authorities to suspect one of the palace’s silver stewards, whose inventory records suggested preparations for further thefts.

Prosecutors said the steward was in a relationship with the manager of a company specializing in online sales of tableware and decorative objects.

Investigators found items linked to the presidency listed on his Vinted account, including a plate marked “French Air Force” and ashtrays stamped with the Sèvres Manufactory seal, items not available to the public.

Searches of the suspect’s locker at work, his vehicle and the couple’s home uncovered around 100 objects.

Recovered items included copper saucepans, Sèvres porcelain, a René Lalique statuette and Baccarat champagne coupes.

The two suspects were arrested Tuesday. Investigators also identified a third individual accused of receiving stolen property. All recovered items were returned to the Élysée Palace.

The three men appeared in court Thursday charged with jointly stealing movable property classified as part of France’s national heritage, as well as aggravated handling of stolen goods.

The offenses carry potential penalties of up to 10 years in prison and a 150,000-euro fine.

The trial was postponed to Feb. 26. The defendants were placed under judicial supervision, barred from contacting one another, banned from auction houses and prohibited from continuing their professional activities. — Agencies