Valuable works by Russian literary giants such as Alexander Pushkin and Nikolai Gogol have vanished from libraries across Europe. This week, six defendants stand trial in Paris over these thefts.

The trial centers on the theft of over 170 rare Russian literary works, valued at nearly $3 million, primarily by Pushkin. Libraries in countries like the Czech Republic, Estonia, France, and others were targeted.

The defendants, mostly Georgians, face charges of conspiracy and theft, though their names have not been disclosed by French authorities. They allegedly belong to a network that used fake identities and library cards to carry out the heists.

Libraries targeted include the National Library of France. The accused reportedly aimed to replace original manuscripts with counterfeits using advanced techniques.

European law enforcement conducted a sting operation in 2024, leading to the arrest of several individuals connected to these crimes. The trial continues as authorities seek justice for these cultural and historical losses.