Imagine polishing crystal for presidents by day — and allegedly selling it online by night.
That’s the extraordinary accusation now facing a senior staffer at France’s presidential palace.
A longtime Élysée insider, identified as Thomas M, is set to stand trial over the alleged theft of luxury tableware.
The items include Baccarat champagne flutes, Sèvres porcelain plates and even solid silver cutlery.
French investigators say nearly 100 missing items — valued between €15,000 and €40,000 — later turned up in his locker, his car, and his home.
Some, they claim, were even listed on his Vinted account.
Prosecutors say Thomas M, reportedly the palace’s chief butler and custodian of its prized silver, quietly removed items over several months.
He falsified inventory records to cover his tracks.
“The paperwork suggested future thefts were planned,” investigators allege.
He’s not alone. His partner, Damien G, an online auction manager, and a third man accused of receiving stolen goods will also face trial.
One suspect, a Louvre guard at the time, has since been barred from returning.
The Élysée has already advertised for a replacement. Trial begins in February.
The takeaway? Even behind gilded palace doors, temptation apparently still sets the table.
