Feb 13 β€’ 11:04 UTC πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ UK Guardian

French police arrest nine people over suspected €10m Louvre ticket fraud

French police have arrested nine individuals, including two Louvre museum staff, over a suspected €10 million ticket fraud scheme.

French police have arrested nine individuals, including two members of the staff, as part of an investigation into a suspected ticket fraud scheme that has cost the Louvre museum in Paris an estimated €10 million. The museum's spokesperson stated that they suspect the existence of a large-scale network organizing this fraudulent activity, prompting the museum to report the issue to the authorities. The arrested group includes tour guides and an alleged mastermind behind the fraud, highlighting the complexity of the operation.

This incident adds to the recent troubles faced by the Louvre, which has been dealing with the aftermath of a significant heist that occurred just weeks prior, in which robbers stole French crown jewels valued at approximately €88 million. That heist, taking place in broad daylight, involved the gang breaking in through a window and making off with the priceless items in a matter of minutes. While some arrests have been made in connection to that incident, the crown jewels remain missing, compounding the Louvre's current challenges.

The situation raises serious questions about security and trust at one of the world’s most prominent cultural institutions, as both the ticket fraud and the jewel heist expose vulnerabilities that could affect visitor confidence. The Louvre has been a global tourist attraction, and incidents like these could deter visitors, emphasizing the need for enhanced security measures and oversight to restore its reputation and ensure the safety of its priceless collections.

πŸ“‘ Similar Coverage