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Stolen volumes of classic literature by Russian authors have been disappearing from European libraries in a troubling wave. The incident has drawn attention from researchers and cultural institutions across several countries, prompting heightened scrutiny of rare book security and preservation practices. The episode is described in multiple regional reports as part of a broader pattern of art and manuscript theft that targets 19th and early 20th century Russian literary heritage.

According to various briefings, European experts have raised concerns about organized theft networks operating in some regions, and the potential involvement of individuals who use counterfeit credentials to gain access to restricted collections. The situation underscores the vulnerability of rare collections to sophisticated methods that blend scholarly appearance with illicit motives.

In January 2024, reports indicate that five volumes vanished from a major German national library, including three works by Alexander Pushkin. The collection also listed the 1827 novel The Robber Brothers, the 1831 drama Boris Godunov, and the 1828 piece The Prisoner of the Caucasus. The reported market value of these items on illicit channels is substantial, underscoring the high demand for rare holdings among underground buyers.

Additional losses were noted at another renowned European library, where two Russian works were taken. Beyond Germany, the thefts have prompted concern in other regional institutions, with similar alarms raised in neighboring regions about the security of rare Russian edition holdings.

Some accounts describe the methods used by perpetrators as unusually meticulous. Allegations center on the use of forged documentation to pose as scholars, a tactic that allows deliberate access to restricted shelves. Investigators note that stolen pages may be photographed or copied, with originals subsequently swapped and retained by the thieves for resale or personal collection. These details illustrate the calculated risk taken by criminal groups when handling rare items that are difficult to replace.

Earlier in the crisis, reports from French authorities described groups involved in the theft of lifelong editions of Pushkin, Gogol, and Lermontov from several European libraries. In another case, a Georgian group was reported to have targeted rare books by Pushkin, highlighting a cross-border pattern of activity that spans multiple national archives and lending programs. These cases collectively emphasize the broader challenge faced by European libraries as they work to protect irreplaceable cultural artifacts from professional-grade theft operations.