Police uncover ten million euro fraud involving Louvre tickets

French police have arrested nine people as part of an investigation into fraud involving tickets to the Louvre Museum, which could have caused damage amounting to approximately ten million euros. The Paris prosecutor's office specified that among those arrested are two Louvre employees, several guides, and a group organizer.

The police seized nearly €1 million in cash and another €500,000 in bank accounts.

The investigation began in December 2024 after the museum reported two Chinese tour guides suspected of repeatedly using single-use tickets for different visitors. After more than a year of checks, the authorities uncovered a network that had been admitting up to 20 tourist groups to the Louvre every day for ten years and bribing officials to turn a blind eye to the irregularities.

According to the prosecutor's office, the group committed similar fraud at the Palace of Versailles. There is suspicion that the proceeds were invested in real estate in France and Dubai.

The Louvre responded that it is facing an increase in ticket fraud and has prepared a plan to curb it. Last month, it also raised admission prices for most tourists from countries outside the European Union.

(reuters, max)