A staff member of the Louvre has been indicted and taken into custody following a comprehensive investigation into a ticketing fraud scheme that has reportedly affected the iconic Paris museum for over a decade. The individual faces multiple charges, including organized gang fraud, alongside six other accomplices who were detained due to their connections with the primary suspect, as stated by the public prosecutor.
The charges against the indicted employee include forgery, facilitating illegal entry and movement of foreigners as part of an organized group, active corruption, aggravated money laundering, and participation in a criminal association. While the six accomplices were also indicted on similar charges, they have since been released. In addition, two other individuals linked to the case were charged with complicity in organized fraud and money laundering but were also released.
This fraudulent operation, which was uncovered earlier this year, has led to estimated losses exceeding €10 million (approximately $11.7 million) for the Louvre. The scam involved the sale of fake tickets and the overbooking of guided tours, impacting thousands of visitors. Authorities arrested nine individuals in connection with the scheme, including two museum employees and several tour guides, with the alleged mastermind also apprehended. Prosecutors reported the seizure of over €957,000 ($1.1 million) in cash, along with significant amounts in foreign currency and assets, including three vehicles and numerous safety deposit boxes.
According to prosecutors, some of the illicit proceeds were invested in real estate ventures in France and Dubai. Louvre general administrator Kim Pham expressed the museum's commitment to combating fraud, acknowledging the ever-evolving and numerous tactics employed by fraudsters.
In December 2024, the Louvre notified French immigration authorities about a scheme involving Chinese tour guides who were exploiting the ticketing system by reusing the same tickets for groups of tourists. This method was subsequently adopted by other guides, further complicating the museum's efforts to maintain integrity in its ticketing process.
The investigation revealed that the suspects had been defrauding the Louvre of ticket fees for as many as 20 groups daily over a span of ten years, demonstrating the extensive nature of this fraudulent operation.