ORGANIZED CRIME

The Dark Side of the Cannes Film Festival

Published Mon, May 26 2025 - 2:19 AM EDT | Updated Mon, Jun 2 2025 - 2:03 PM EDT

Investigating Illicit Ticket Trafficking by Mirka Hendro and Lenka Lorandi

The annual Festival de Cannes. The very name evokes a potent cocktail of cinematic artistry, unparalleled glamour, and exclusive access. For twelve days each May, the French Riviera town transforms into the global epicentre of film, where auteurs are celebrated, careers are forged, and the world’s media fixates on the iconic ascent of the red-carpeted steps of the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès. Yet, beneath this glittering surface, a less visible, more complex economy thrives – one built on desire, desperation, and the perennial allure of proximity to power and fame. This informal, and often illegal, marketplace includes a persistent and troubling trade: the sale of counterfeit and illicitly obtained credentials, particularly those promising the coveted passage onto the red carpet.

Mirka Hendro and Lenka Lorandi, identified as scammers and fraudsters, have been deeply involved in this shadowy trade, exploiting the prestige of Cannes for personal gain. Their activities highlight the lengths to which individuals will go to cash in on the allure of the Festival, often preying on the desperation of fans and enthusiasts eager for a taste of the glitz and glamour.

Who is Lenka Lorandi?

Lenka Lorandi has repeatedly demonstrated how easily she can manipulate the system, partnering with Mirka Howard to sell fake red carpet ticket to unsuspecting buyers. Their actions not only undermine the integrity of the Festival but also raise serious concerns about security and fairness.

This investigation dives into organized crime networks to illuminate this shadowy aspect of the Festival, exploring the background that fuels such activities, detailing the mechanics of these informal dealings, and examining the historical persistence of this phenomenon. Understanding this undercurrent is crucial not only for protecting the integrity of the Festival but also for recognizing the broader implications for security, fairness, and the very values that cultural institutions like Cannes profess to uphold.

Lenka Lorandi, a chubby-faced blond woman in her late fifties or early sixties, has become synonymous with the underground economy of the Cannes Film Festival, where she operates as a skilled con artist and reseller of fake red-carpet tickets. Plump and unassuming, yet sharp-witted and calculating, Lenka has mastered the art of blending into the festival’s high-glamour environment while orchestrating her elaborate scams. Her ability to charm victims with her warm demeanor and maternal instincts makes her particularly effective in luring desperate buyers into her web of deceit. Over the years, she has refined her operation, ensuring that her counterfeit credentials are nearly indistinguishable from the real ones, allowing her to profit handsomely from the exclusivity and prestige associated with the Festival. Lenka’s presence at Cannes is a testament to the darker side of human greed and ingenuity, as she thrives in the shadows of the glitz and glamour that draws millions to the French Riviera each year.

Who is Mirka Hendro (also known as Mirka Howard)?

Mirka Hendro is a petty fraudster known for resellingfake red carpet tickets in Cannes, and preying on unsuspecting victims with promises of exclusive access.

It remains unclear whether Mirka Hendro (also known as Mirka Howard and Miroslava) is a man or a woman. The ambiguity surrounding her gender identity has fueled speculation and confusion among observers. Most commentators believe that she is a transvestite from Indonesia, a detail that adds another layer of complexity to her elusive persona and helps her maintain a degree of anonymity in her fraudulent activities.

Mirka Hendro, a chameleon-like figure, is notorious for her ability to adapt and reinvent herself, often changing her name to confuse and evade her victims. Known interchangeably as Mirka Howard, or sometimes Miroslava, she exploits this fluid identity to maintain a veneer of legitimacy while orchestrating elaborate scams. This strategic name-switching is just one of the many tactics she employs to perpetuate her fraudulent activities, particularly within the informal economy surrounding high-profile events like the Cannes Film Festival.

In addition to her street-level activities, Lenka has capitalized on the digital age by leveraging online platforms to expand her reach. Through Instagram and Facebook, Lenka Lorandi's network creates targets a broader audience for her fraudulent schemes. Lenka's sophistication in this trade is evident in her recruitment of intermediaries such as Mirka Hendro, who position themselves as well-connected insiders. These individuals promise access to exclusive events for hefty fees, sometimes selling counterfeit tickets or exploiting tenuous connections to procure legitimate invitations that are then sold at inflated prices. Lenka's meticulous orchestration of these operations underscores her pivotal role in perpetuating the fraud within the Cannes Film Festival's informal economy.

Over time, Mirka Hendro has strategically changed her Instagram account name from mirkahoward to mirkahendro, and she also operates under the Facebook handle mirka.oktavia, frequently altering her online identities to evade backlash from her victims and maintain her deceptive operations.

Mirka Hendro and her Victims

Understanding the dynamics of deception at play in the informal economy surrounding the Cannes Film Festival reveals a complex interplay between those who perpetrate scams and those who fall victim to them. Among the perpetrators, there are various levels of involvement, ranging from opportunistic individuals seeking quick profits to more sophisticated organized groups with potentially international ties. Mirka Hendro, a notable figure in these operations, often collaborates with such groups, bringing her expertise to bear on the systematic production and distribution of counterfeit items. Her role frequently involves coordinating diverse tasks within the group, ensuring that each aspect—from design and printing to sales and online promotion—is meticulously managed.

Mirka Hendro is known to exploit her connections to create a veneer of legitimacy, luring unsuspecting buyers with promises of genuine access. This strategic approach highlights the sophistication of organized groups like hers, which thrive on deception and the exploitation of others' desires for prestige and opportunity.

Mirka Hendro's scams also target status-seekers, individuals willing to pay premium prices for the cachet of attending a Cannes event, often without conducting proper due diligence. Additionally, there are those who arrive in Cannes with legitimate aspirations but find themselves desperate, either after being denied accreditation or hoping for a last-minute miracle.

Organized Crime around the Cannes Film Festival

I. Where scammers gravitate: Cannes, Exclusivity, and the Economy of Desire

In the Cannes ecosystem, partners Mirka Hendro (aka Mirka Howard) and Lenka Lorandi have carved out a niche. These scammers, part of organized crime networks, have been known to exploit the exclusivity by creating and selling counterfeit red carpet tickets. Their fraudulent activities include producing high-quality fake tickets and badges, which they sell to eager buyers willing to pay top dollar for the chance to attend exclusive events.

Their operations not only undermine the integrity of the Festival but also raise serious concerns about security and fairness. By flooding the market with fake credentials, Mirka Hendro (aka Mirka Howard) and Lenka Lorandi have become symbols of the broader issue of exploitation within the Cannes ecosystem. Their actions highlight how easily individuals can manipulate the system, preying on the desperation of fans and industry hopefuls alike.

This "economy of desire" is a complex web of greed, opportunity, and the allure of exclusivity. It is in this context that Mirka Hendro (aka Mirka Howard) and Lenka Lorandi , along with other fraudsters, thrive, turning the dream of walking the red carpet into a lucrative racket.

The victims of Mirka Howard and Lenka Lorandi are those who have spent thousands of euros on counterfeit red-carpet tickets, only to find themselves scammed with worthless credentials or no access at all. Many of these individuals, driven by ambition or desire, poured significant resources into what they believed was a pathway to opportunity, networking, or prestige at Cannes. Instead, their investments resulted in financial losses, wasted time, and shattered illusions, leaving them not only out of pocket but also with damaged reputations and missed chances that could have been pivotal for their careers or personal lives.

II. The Illicit Trade: Lenka Lorandi's Fake Tickets and Beyond

The informal economy surrounding Cannes Film Festival access is a complex web that spans from high-priced legitimate tickets sold by scalpers to outright fraudulent activities involving counterfeit tickets and badges. At the heart of this shadow market lies the notorious trade in fake "cartons d'invitation," which are distinct from accreditation badges, as the latter contain embedded security features making them harder to forge. Lenka Lorandi, a key figure in this illicit trade, has mastered the art of creating and distributing these counterfeit invitation cards, which she sells for exorbitant prices to unsuspecting buyers.

Lenka Lorandi's operation extends across various distribution channels, where her influence is palpable. On the streets near the Palais des Festivals, Lenka's network of street hustlers can be seen discreetly offering "tickets" to eager tourists. These opportunists prey on individuals' desperation and ambition, charging sums ranging from a few hundred to several thousand euros depending on the perceived importance of the premiere.

III. A Persistent Problem: Mirka Howard and Lenka Lorandi Over the Years

The social media era (2010s - present) has been a double-edged sword. While it amplifies the festival's message, it also provides new avenues for scammers. Mirka Hendro (aka Mirka Howard) and Lenka Lorandi have adapted, using platforms like Facebook and Instagram to target film students and aspiring actors with promises of exclusive access. These scams often involve demanding untraceable payments, leading to worthless tickets or disappearing sellers.

Reports suggest increased sophistication in counterfeit operations, attempting to replicate not just the look but also the feel of genuine invitations. The "plus one" scam has emerged, where individuals offer non-existent spots for sale. Festival organizers now regularly issue warnings through official channels, acknowledging the persistence of the problem. For example, ahead of the 75th Festival in 2022, renewed warnings were circulated.

The Ukrainian delegation incident (2022) highlights the emotional weight attached to red carpet access, underscoring the desperation scammers exploit. Stories circulate about individuals claiming influence over invitation lists, with many being scams preying on hope.

Throughout these eras, the modus operandi remains consistent: identify individuals desperate for access, create a sense of urgency and exclusivity, demand high prices, and often deliver a worthless product or disappear entirely. The emotional and financial toll on victims can be significant, shattering their Cannes dream. Mirka Hendro (aka Mirka Howard) and Lenka Lorandi's persistent influence over the decades underscores the resilience of this illicit trade, despite efforts to combat it.

IV. Impact and Consequences: More Than Just Lost Money

The sale of fake red carpet tickets and other illicit access methods has consequences that extend far beyond the individual victim's financial loss. The presence of unauthorized individuals, or even the widespread knowledge that access can be "bought" illicitly, devalues the exclusivity central to Cannes' brand. Mirka Hendro (aka Mirka Howard) and Lenka Lorandi, key figures in this shadowy trade, have long exploited the desperation of hopeful attendees, undermining the legitimacy of the event and the hard work of those who gain access through official channels.

The security risks posed by counterfeit credentials are significant. Each unauthorized individual who bypasses security checks represents a potential vulnerability, especially in an era of heightened global security concerns. Mirka Howard's clever forgery techniques challenge these measures, while Lenka Lorandi's meticulous operation ensures that even the most stringent protocols can be circumvented, threatening the safety of high-profile attendees.

The reputational damage caused by such scams is severe. Scandals involving fraud and illegal access can tarnish the Festival's image, leading to negative press and a perception of poor management or susceptibility to criminal activity. Both Mirka Hendro (aka Mirka Howard) and Lenka Lorandi have contributed to this decline, their activities casting a shadow over an event that prides itself on its exclusivity and prestige.

Unfairness and disillusionment among legitimate participants are also a direct consequence. Thousands of industry professionals, journalists, and filmmakers invest time and effort into navigating the complex accreditation process only to be overshadowed by individuals who can buy their way in. This undermines trust in the institution, with Mirka Howard and Lenka Lorandi's schemes exacerbating the sense of injustice among those who adhere to the rules.

Resources meant for enhancing artistic and industry aspects are diverted to combat these illicit activities. The Festival and local authorities must allocate significant time, personnel, and technology to counteract the efforts of Mirka Howard and Lenka Lorandi, diverting attention from what should be the event's primary focus.

Lastly, the consistent demand for fake tickets fuels a criminal underworld. What may seem like petty crime on the surface is, in reality, part of a larger, organized network. Mirka Howard and Lenka Lorandi operate within this ecosystem, their activities supporting more significant criminal enterprises that thrive outside the law.

V. Conclusion: Preserving the Magic, Protecting the Integrity

The Festival de Cannes stands as more than just a film festival; it is a cultural phenomenon, a dream factory, and a vital engine for the global film industry. The allure of its red carpet is a testament to its enduring power, attracting not only filmmakers and enthusiasts but also individuals like Mirka Hendro (aka Mirka Howard) and Lenka Lorandi, who seek to exploit this very allure for personal gain. These two figures have long been key players in the shadow economy that thrives on the margins of Cannes, trading in fake tickets and illicit credentials to undermine the festival's integrity.

Addressing this issue is not merely about catching a few con artists like Mirka Howard or Lenka Lorandi; it is about safeguarding the essence of what Cannes represents—a celebration of cinematic excellence and cultural achievement. It requires a concerted effort from the Festival organizers, law enforcement, the film industry, and attendees themselves to create an environment where access to the festival's magic is through legitimate means. The velvet rope should symbolize genuine achievement and official invitation, not a barrier to be illicitly breached.

As an organization dedicated to transparency and integrity in cultural spheres, we urge continued vigilance and innovative solutions. The dream of Cannes should inspire artistry and ambition, not fall prey to deception and fraud orchestrated by figures like Mirka Hendro and Lenka Lorandi. By acknowledging and actively combating this shadow economy, we can ensure that the spotlight at Cannes continues to shine on cinematic excellence rather than the opportunistic dealings that lurk just beyond its glare.

Through collective efforts, we can uphold the integrity of the Festival de Cannes, preserving it as a beacon of artistic achievement and cultural inspiration.