Investigators traced the missing items to the Sevres factory and online auction sites, linking the theft to one of the Elysee stewards who was in a relationship with the manager of a company selling such objects.

Two other suspects were arrested, and prosecutors identified a single receiver of the stolen goods.

The theft is estimated to have a loss between 15,000 and 40,000 euros.

This case fits into a broader pattern of thefts at French cultural institutions, including a Louvre raid in October and other museums, with hundreds of Sevres-era items involved and tens of millions in jewelry stolen in related incidents.

Ghislain M., reportedly a Louvre guard, is described by his lawyer as acting from a passion for rare antiques.

The case has prompted concerns about the protection and management of priceless national heritage at the highest levels of state.

The case is scheduled for trial on February 26, with the defendants currently free under judicial supervision.

One suspect is described by Le Figaro as a Louvre Museum security guard suspected of buying pieces deemed national heritage.

The items were returned to the Elysee Palace, unlike the Louvre case where the majority of jewels remain missing after the October raid.

The principal suspect acted as a silver steward, responsible for storing, polishing, and inventorying silver and porcelain used for visits by royalty or international figures to Emmanuel Macron.

The Louvre antiques dealer involved also works part-time at the Louvre; a related theft at the Louvre last October led to the loss of more than 75 million pounds worth of jewelry.

Thomas M. worked at the Elysee Palace for five years and managed tables and inventory; items largely came from the Sevres factory and some were acquired as recently as 2018 for about 400,000 pounds.