Louvre Theft Not Just Someone Else's Problem... Italy Invests 100 Billion Won in AI Surveillance System

Investing 100 Billion Won in Specially Trained Algorithms
The Louvre Jewelry Theft Ring Still at Large

After a theft occurred in broad daylight at the Louvre Museum in France, Italy, known as a "cultural heritage powerhouse," has decided to strengthen its protection of artifacts by leveraging artificial intelligence (AI). On October 21, Yonhap News, citing AFP and other foreign media, reported that the Italian government will overhaul its theft prevention system by introducing an AI-based surveillance framework. On the same day, the Italian Ministry of Culture announced, "We will establish a system that can detect abnormal behavior around artifacts and trigger early warnings by utilizing AI, big data analysis, and cybersecurity technologies." The ministry further explained, "The system is designed to analyze video data and detect suspicious behavior while complying with personal data protection regulations, enabling predictive alerts."

The Vatican Museums, known as one of the three major museums in Europe along with the British Museum in the United Kingdom and the Louvre Museum in France. Photo by Reuters and Yonhap News Agency

Additionally, the ministry stated, "Specially trained algorithms will be able to identify behavioral patterns and risk signals with increasing accuracy," and added that 70 million euros (approximately 116 billion won) in European Union (EU) funding will be invested in the system. However, although the Italian government emphasized that "the safety of cultural heritage is the top priority," it refrained from commenting on the Louvre Museum incident.

The Louvre Theft Ring Still at Large: Why They Stole Jewelry Instead of Paintings

Although not directly mentioned, it appears that the Louvre Museum theft has influenced Italy's decision to strengthen artifact protection. The previous day at the Louvre Museum, a group of four thieves used a ladder truck to break into the museum and stole jewelry within seven minutes before escaping. They smashed high-security glass display cases, seized the jewelry, and fled on scooters. The suspects have not yet been apprehended.

The day before, four thieves used a ladder truck to break into the Louvre Museum and stole jewelry within seven minutes before escaping. Photo by AP Yonhap News

French investigators stated that the perpetrators demonstrated professional expertise. The Paris police believe there is a high likelihood that a foreign criminal organization orchestrated the crime and that the four-member group acted under instructions. Considering the audacity of robbing the Louvre Museum-located just 800 meters from the Paris Police Headquarters-in broad daylight, it is believed that the crime involved extensive preparation.

The BBC cited the fact that the thieves targeted jewelry instead of paintings as another indication of professional involvement. Paintings by famous artists are difficult to carry and nearly impossible to sell. In contrast, jewelry is relatively small and much easier to sell. In the case of a crown, the gemstones can be broken apart and resold, or the piece can be reshaped by a jeweler and sold in a different form. Although the resale value is lower than the original artifact's worth, it can still fetch a significant price.

Meanwhile, French local media pointed out that reductions in the Louvre's security staff contributed to the robbery. Le Monde reported that the number of guards in the Apollo Gallery was reduced from six to five, and during the first 30-minute morning break, only four are on duty. The museum employees' union stated, "We have repeatedly warned management about security threats, but no improvements were made." Over the past decade, government subsidies for the Louvre Museum have decreased by more than 20 percent, and even those funds have been concentrated on constructing the exhibition hall for the iconic "Mona Lisa."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.