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French Police Break Up 10 Million Euro Louvre Ticket Scam Targeting Chinese Tourists

Published: Feb. 19, 2026 1:42 a.m. GMT+8

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The main entrance of the Louvre Museum. Photo: VCG

French police have dismantled a sophisticated ticket-scalping ring at the Louvre Museum involving Chinese tour guides and museum employees, a scheme authorities say siphoned off an estimated 10 million euros ($11.9 million) over the past decade.

Nine suspects were arrested on Feb. 10 following a yearlong investigation into the operation, which allegedly targeted Chinese tour groups, French authorities said. Prosecutors described the fraud as a collusion between outside operators and internal staff that enabled the reuse of valid tickets for multiple visitors.

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French police busted a ticket-scalping ring at the Louvre, involving Chinese guides and staff, costing the museum €10 million over a decade.
Nine suspects were charged with fraud, corruption, and money laundering; police seized over €1.4 million from the operation.
The scandal adds to Louvre’s challenges, including a €102 million jewel theft, staff strikes, and urgent renovation plans costing over $700 million.

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What Happened When

December 2024：: The investigation into ticket-scalping at the Louvre began after the museum discovered two Chinese guides reusing single-entry tickets for separate tourist groups.

January 2025：: French President Emmanuel Macron unveiled a renovation blueprint for the Louvre, dubbed the 'New Louvre Renaissance,' with projected costs exceeding $700 million.

2025：: The Louvre welcomed nine million visitors.

October 2025：: Masked robbers stole jewelry valued at about $102 million in a major heist at the Louvre.

February 10, 2026：: Nine suspects were arrested following a yearlong investigation into the Louvre ticket-scalping operation.

February 13, 2026：: All nine suspects were formally charged with various offenses including fraud, participation in an organized gang, corruption, and money laundering.