French authorities have arrested nine people, including two Louvre employees, in connection with a fraud scheme that has cost the museum over 10 million euros in lost revenues due to counterfeit tickets. This operation has been under investigation since December 2024 after the Louvre reported suspicious activities involving two Chinese guides who appeared to be reusing tickets for multiple tour groups. This alert led to a broader investigation into ticket fraud within the institution.

The investigation revealed that these guides were not acting alone; they coordinated with other tour guides who also engaged in similar fraudulent practices. Key findings from surveillance and wiretaps indicated that some guides manipulated the entry process by splitting tourist groups to circumvent mandatory fees, leading to significant losses for the museum. These activities helped bring attention to the systemic nature of the fraud permeating the tourism sector tied to the Louvre.

Furthermore, it was discovered that some Louvre employees were complicit in this fraudulent network, accepting payments from the guides in return for facilitating ticket access without proper checks. This revelation raises major concerns about internal security and the integrity of operations at one of the world’s most important cultural institutions, prompting calls for stricter regulations and oversight.