Urgent Travel Advisory: Brits Warned of Gangs, Fraud, and Theft in Paris

Sports fans planning to attend the Summer Olympics in Paris are being cautioned about an increase in criminal activities, including theft, violence, fraud, and sexual assaults, according to Paris’ chief prosecutor, Laure Beccuau.

Beccuau stated that the inflow of an estimated 16 million visitors, including 1.5 million foreign tourists, will most likely worsen the French capital’s typical crime activity. Nearly 500,000 Britons are predicted to attend the games, as per the organizing committee.

“We are expecting the arrival of Eastern European and South American gangs that specialize in ripping luxury watches, jewelry, and handbags off tourists,” Beccuau warned the French press.

Such crimes are not uncommon in Paris, with countless Rolex thefts reported in previous years, but the Olympics are expected to exacerbate the problem.

In an interview with Le Parisien, Beccuau warned of an expected rise in “sexual assaults, rapes [and] fights” caused by increased alcohol consumption during the festival.

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Furthermore, French officials predict an increase in fraud schemes, ranging from counterfeit tickets and online rental scams to illegal taxis and street scams such as the infamous three-card monte. Hustlers entice tourists into betting on rigged games, which is a common occurrence near tourist destinations like the Eiffel Tower.

Beccuau also raised concern about an increase in child and adult prostitution as a result of the flood of visitors.

“In reality, they are the same types of offenses that await tourists… each summer in Paris,” she told France Info, adding that the amount of such crimes is projected to increase rather than the types of acts.

Faced with the potential of terrorist attacks, the French government has announced the deployment of 35,000 police officers and 18,000 military to provide security during the events.

On the day of the opening ceremony, July 26, 45,000 police officers will be on duty while 10,500 athletes are ferried along the Seine in a flotilla of boats.

British police, equipped with sniffer dogs, will also assist during the games, and the UK Ministry of Defence will provide the French with technologies to thwart any drone attacks.

Paris’ criminal courts are preparing for the projected increase in crime, with three sessions per day to expedite trials for offenders. “Imagine a Brazilian who has their bag stolen by an Italian. There is no question of summoning the parties [for trial] several months later. It would not make any sense. Besides, we don’t want to clog up the judicial system,” Beccuau emphasized. Additional judges from the Paris Appeal Court will be appointed to handle the increased caseload.

Regarding cyber dangers, Beccuau stated, “We are certain there will be [such attacks],” noting that previous Olympics have been targeted by hackers. Experts warn that these attacks could vary from Russian attempts to disrupt the West to criminal groups extorting funds.

This extensive security strategy is intended to safeguard the safety of the millions of visitors expected in Paris for the highly anticipated global event.