Paris prosecutors announced the arrest of nine people linked to a ticket fraud scam at the Louvre. The museum lost nearly €10 million (US$11.8 million) over a decade. The suspects include two Louvre employees, several tour guides, and a suspected mastermind. Authorities began investigating after the Louvre filed a complaint in December 2024. Two Chinese tour guides were initially suspected of illegally reusing tickets for different groups of Chinese tourists. Later, other guides were also implicated. Surveillance and wiretaps revealed a pattern of ticket reuse and a strategy where guides split their groups to avoid paying a “speaking fee.” The investigation uncovered accomplices inside the museum who were paid to skip ticket checks. Formal investigations began in June 2024 with charges like organised fraud, money laundering, corruption, aiding illegal entry, and use of forged documents. Investigators say up to 20 tour groups may have been involved daily for 10 years. Some of the money was allegedly invested in property in France and Dubai. Authorities seized over €957,000 in cash and €486,000 from bank accounts. Prosecutors also suspect a similar ticket fraud at the Palace of Versailles. This case follows the famous October crown jewels robbery at the Louvre, where €88 million worth of treasures were stolen during visiting hours. Several suspects were arrested, but the stolen jewels remain missing.