Police Dismantle Major Ticket Fraud Network at the Louvre, Two Museum Agents Arrested

On February 10, 2026, French police carried out a decisive operation at the Louvre Museum, the world’s most visited museum, successfully dismantling a large-scale ticket fraud network. This crackdown led to the arrest of two Louvre museum agents alongside roughly ten other individuals, including several tourist guides. The investigation was spurred by suspicions of an organized scheme involving group visits exceeding the official 20-person limit and charging inflated prices outside official ticket sales channels.

According to a Louvre spokesperson, the fraudulent activities potentially started in the summer of 2024, signalling a growing and evolving problem. The museum has since established a structured anti-fraud plan in collaboration with police and staff to combat ticketing crimes. This latest attempt at fraud follows a turbulent period for the Louvre, which suffered a high-profile burglary on October 19, 2025, losing eight Crown jewels. Furthermore, the museum had to close one of its galleries in November due to damage and has been grappling with prolonged labor unrest amid staff protests over working conditions since mid-December.

The police operation underscores Louvre officials’ commitment to safeguarding their institution’s integrity amid increasing fraudulent schemes against its ticketing system. By targeting insiders and external accomplices, authorities seek to restore trust and prevent further financial abuses. The Louvre’s spokesperson emphasized the seriousness of the fraud proliferation and confirmed ongoing collaborative efforts with law enforcement to ensure thorough investigations and effective responses.

This police intervention is part of wider security and operational challenges the Louvre has encountered in recent months, emphasizing the need for vigilant oversight even in one of the world’s most prestigious cultural institutions.