The French police have apprehended nine individuals in connection to a ticket fraud scheme that has allegedly operated within the Louvre Museum, with an estimated financial impact of up to 10 million euros over the last ten years. Among the arrested are two museum employees, several tour guides, and a person described as the organizer of the fraud. The arrests occurred on a Tuesday as part of an investigation that was sparked by a complaint filed by the Louvre in December 2024, highlighting the museum's commitment to combating fraudulent activities within its operations.

The investigation revealed that some tour guides were reportedly reusing tickets to bring in multiple tourist groups, which raises serious concerns regarding the integrity of ticket sales and operations at one of the world's most visited art museums. In addition to the ticket fraud, the police are also exploring related crimes, including money laundering and corruption, suggesting that the fraud scheme might be part of a larger network of criminal activities. Nearly one million euros in cash along with approximately 500,000 euros from various bank accounts had been confiscated as evidence during the operation.

Investigators are particularly focusing on two Chinese tour guides mentioned in the reports who are suspected of orchestrating a significant part of the scheme. This incident not only sheds light on the internal vulnerabilities at the Louvre but also poses a question about the efficacy of security and oversight within major cultural institutions. As details unfold, the implications for the museum's reputation and security measures will be closely scrutinized, with potential repercussions on tourist trust and future visitations to the Louvre.