Translated with AI
French police have arrested nine people suspected of participating in a long-running Louvre ticket fraud scheme. Investigators estimate that the museum, which remains the most visited in the world, suffered damages exceeding €10 million over the past ten years, the Associated Press reports.
The arrests were made as part of a judicial investigation launched following a complaint filed by the museum's administration in December 2024. Those detained include two Louvre employees, several tour guides, and the alleged mastermind of the scheme.
According to the prosecutor's office, the fraud was based on the repeated use of the same tickets for different tour groups. Investigators were initially drawn to two Chinese guides, who were allegedly regularly escorting groups of tourists into the museum by re-presenting previously used tickets. Similar activity was later discovered among other guides.
During the investigation, surveillance and wiretapping of telephone conversations were conducted. According to investigators, this confirmed the systematic reuse of tickets, as well as the practice of splitting tour groups. The latter allowed the tour guides to avoid paying the mandatory "performance fee."
Investigators believe the tour guides had accomplices among museum employees. According to the prosecutor's office, they were paid cash to avoid inspections and facilitate the scheme.
The official investigation, which began in June 2025, includes allegations of organized fraud, money laundering, corruption, facilitating illegal entry into the country, and the use of forged documents. Investigators estimate that the network may have served up to 20 tourist groups daily.
Part of the proceeds were allegedly invested in real estate in France and Dubai. During the searches, law enforcement authorities seized more than €957,000 in cash, including €67,000 in foreign currency, as well as €486,000 in bank accounts.
The prosecutor's office also noted that similar schemes may have been in operation at the Palace of Versailles, but did not provide details.
In November 2025, the Louvre announced a 45% increase in ticket prices for most tourists from outside the European Union. This increase is expected to increase the museum's annual revenue by €15–20 million. Effective January 14, individual admission will cost €32, while group admission with accredited guides will cost €28.
