Listening

Warm Up

Helpful Words and Phrases

Listen and repeat.

  1. a prosecutor
    • ex. The prosecutors presented the evidence in court.
  2. detain
    • ex. The police detained the suspect for questioning.
  3. a fraud
    • ex. Police officers said the online offer was a fraud.
  4. a scheme
    • ex. They created a scheme to make money quickly.
  5. file
    • ex. She decided to file a complaint after the company refused to fix her broken phone.

Article

Read the article below and answer your tutor's questions.

Font size

Paris prosecutors say nine people have been detained in an investigation into a long-running ticket fraud at the Louvre museum. Officials believe the illegal scheme lasted for about 10 years and caused losses of more than 10 million euros (about ¥1.82 billion). The investigation began after the museum filed a complaint in late 2024.

Those detained include two workers from the Louvre, several tour guides, and a person who is believed to be the leader of the group. Prosecutors say some guides used the same tickets again and again to bring different tourist groups into the museum. They are also accused of dividing large groups into smaller ones, so they did not have to pay extra guide fees. Some museum workers are believed to have helped them in return for cash.

Officials say the group may have brought as many as 20 tour groups a day into the museum using illegal ways. Police have taken large amounts of cash and money from bank accounts. A similar ticket fraud is also being investigated at the Palace of Versailles. The case is still under review.

This material was based on an article by The Associated Press.

Discussion

Choose a topic and discuss the questions with your tutor.

Museum Security and Safety

  • Do you think famous tourist places like museums are more at risk of illegal activities? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • Those detained include two museum workers and several tour guides. After hearing this news, do you think museum workers should receive stricter training about honesty and rules? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • How important is security in large museums like the Louvre Museum? Discuss.

Fraud and Illegal Schemes

  • What problems do you think illegal activities can cause for museums and other public places? Discuss.
  • Why do you think it is important for people to report illegal activities? Discuss.
  • How do you think fraud can affect a country’s image or tourism industry? Discuss.