French authorities have arrested nine individuals, including two employees of the Louvre Museum, in connection with an alleged long-running ticket fraud scheme that reportedly cost the iconic Paris institution over €10 million (approx ₹1,073 crore) over the past decade.
The investigation was launched after the museum filed a complaint in late 2024 flagging suspicious ticketing patterns. Prosecutors allege the fraud ring systematically reused and falsified single-entry tickets to admit multiple tourist groups, bypassing official payment systems and siphoning off revenue.
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How The Ticket Scam Allegedly Worked
Investigators say the accused exploited heavy tourist footfall at the Louvre to conceal the scheme. Tour guides allegedly split large visitor groups and reused valid tickets to gain multiple entries in a single day. In some cases, authorities believe as many as 20 groups were admitted using manipulated entry passes.
The probe suggests that certain internal staff members may have facilitated the operation in exchange for cash bribes, enabling guides to bypass ticket inspection checks. Officials describe the scheme as organised, structured and operational for several years without detection.
Seizures And Money Trail
During coordinated raids, authorities reportedly seized €957,000 in cash (approx ₹10.27 crore) and froze €486,000 in bank accounts (approx ₹5.22 crore) linked to the suspects. Investigators are also examining alleged investments in domestic and overseas real estate to determine whether fraud proceeds were laundered through property acquisitions.
The financial scale of the case has raised concerns about internal oversight and revenue protection systems within one of the world’s most visited museums.
Serious Criminal Charges Filed
The nine suspects face charges including organised gang fraud, use of forged administrative documents, corruption, aggravated money laundering and facilitating illegal entry as part of a criminal network. One individual remains in pre-trial detention, while others have been placed under judicial supervision.
Authorities are also examining whether similar tactics were used at other French heritage sites, including the Palace of Versailles.
The case comes at a sensitive time for the Louvre, which has recently faced operational challenges and security scrutiny following previous high-value theft cases reportedly worth over €80 million (approx ₹8,588 crore).
French prosecutors say the investigation remains ongoing, with further financial tracing and forensic audits expected in the coming weeks.
About the author – Rehan Khan is a law student and legal journalist with a keen interest in cybercrime, digital fraud, and emerging technology laws. He writes on the intersection of law, cybersecurity, and online safety, focusing on developments that impact individuals and institutions in India.
