A painting went missing 20 years ago. Police tracked it down with the help of AI (www.bbc.com)

Italian police have successfully recovered a stolen painting that went missing two decades ago, utilizing a specially designed AI system known as the Stolen Works of Art Detection System (Swoads). During a routine visit to an antiquity fair in Parma in October 2024, officers captured images of artworks, which were analyzed by the AI that flagged a particular painting for its unusual characteristics. Upon further investigation, it was confirmed to be the 17th Century artwork of Saint Agnese, looted in 2004, highlighting the AI's ability to identify subtle visual similarities that might elude human detection. This significant milestone underscores the potential of AI and machine learning in combating art theft, with Italy's AI system being a model for future global initiatives. Since its launch in November 2023, Swoads has helped recover over 300 major works and approximately 165,000 smaller items, collectively valued at over €203 million. By continuously analyzing internet uploads and matching them against a vast database of stolen art, the system has transformed the landscape of cultural heritage protection. However, experts caution that AI remains an aid rather than a complete solution, emphasizing the need for human investigation in legal and context-specific matters.