A significant ticket fraud operation at the Louvre Museum in Paris has been uncovered, leading to the arrest of nine individuals, including tour guides and museum employees. According to the Paris prosecutor's office, the scheme has been ongoing for a decade, during which the museum, the most visited in the world, has suffered losses estimated at over 70 million kroner. The fraud allegedly involved the reuse of tickets meant for large groups of visitors and payments made to Louvre staff to bypass ticket control.

The arrested individuals are believed to have played various roles in orchestrating this extensive fraud, with officials identifying one key figure as the mastermind. The investigation highlights the challenges faced by tourist attractions in maintaining security and integrity against fraudulent activities, particularly as they deal with massive volumes of visitors.

The implications for the Louvre are significant, as they not only face financial losses but also potential reputational damage that could impact future tourism. This case underscores the importance of enhancing ticket security measures and vigilant oversight by museum authorities to restore trust and ensure the continued success of one of the world's most iconic cultural sites.