Paris prosecutors have detained nine individuals as part of an investigation into a suspected decade-long fraud scheme at the Louvre Museum, involving an estimated loss of 10 million euros ($11.8 million). The arrests, which took place on Tuesday, include two Louvre employees, several tour guides, and an individual believed to be the scheme’s mastermind, according to a statement released by the prosecutor’s office on Thursday.
The investigation was launched after the Louvre filed a complaint in December 2024, raising concerns about fraudulent activity related to ticket sales. A formal judicial inquiry began in June 2025, focusing on charges of organized fraud, money laundering, corruption, aiding illegal entry into the country as part of an organized group, and the use of forged administrative documents.
The initial alert came from museum staff who noticed the frequent presence of two Chinese tour guides suspected of repeatedly using the same tickets for different groups of tourists. This practice, investigators believe, extended to other guides who allegedly employed similar tactics. Surveillance and wiretaps subsequently confirmed the repeated reuse of tickets and a strategy of dividing tour groups to circumvent the “speaking fee” required for guides.
According to the Paris prosecutor’s office, the scheme potentially allowed up to 20 tour groups per day to enter the museum over the past ten years. The investigation also suggests the involvement of Louvre employees who allegedly accepted cash payments from guides in exchange for overlooking ticket checks.
The Louvre, the world’s most visited museum, has been grappling with a rise in ticketing fraud. A museum spokesperson stated that the institution is experiencing a recrudescence and a diversification of fraud at the ticket office
and has implemented a structured
plan to combat the issue, in collaboration with its teams and law enforcement.
The timing of these revelations comes at a challenging period for the Louvre. In December 2025, employees initiated a strike action, protesting working conditions and disrupting museum operations. Prior to the strike, the museum was forced to close one of its galleries in November due to structural damage. A significant art theft occurred previously, with the stolen artwork remaining unrecovered.
The investigation into the ticket fraud scheme is ongoing. Prosecutors indicated they will provide an update on Friday regarding the outcome of the judicial inquiries into the detentions. The case highlights the vulnerabilities of major cultural institutions to sophisticated fraud and the challenges of maintaining security in the face of increasing visitor numbers and evolving criminal tactics.
The allegations of corruption within the Louvre raise questions about internal controls and oversight. While the museum has taken steps to address the immediate issue of ticket fraud, the investigation may lead to a broader review of security protocols and employee vetting procedures.
This incident is not isolated. In June 2022, a former director of the Louvre was charged with money laundering and antiquities trafficking, according to reports. This earlier case underscores the potential for financial crime to infiltrate even the most prestigious cultural institutions.
The Louvre’s situation also reflects a wider trend of increased security concerns at cultural landmarks globally. Museums and historical sites are increasingly targeted by fraudsters, thieves, and individuals seeking to exploit vulnerabilities in security systems. The need for robust security measures and effective collaboration between cultural institutions and law enforcement agencies is becoming increasingly critical.
The financial implications of the alleged fraud extend beyond the Louvre itself. The loss of revenue impacts the museum’s ability to fund exhibitions, conservation efforts, and educational programs. The scandal also risks damaging the Louvre’s reputation and potentially deterring future visitors.
The investigation is expected to shed light on the full extent of the network involved in the fraud, including any international connections. The charges of aiding illegal entry into the country suggest that the scheme may have facilitated unauthorized travel for individuals entering France through the Louvre.
