The Georgian General Prosecutor’s Office reported on a large-scale operation fulfilled in collaboration with international investigation groups from Switzerland, France, and Lithuania.

The operation probed into stealing valuable books from libraries in EU countries. Within the operation, the law enforcement agencies of the EU countries and Georgia conducted investigative activities across numerous locations in Georgia.

Over 100 law enforcement officers from the EU countries and Georgia participated in the operation, which was being prepared over several months in coordination with international partners. The searches were conducted in the residences and book sales outlets linked to several individuals.

The operation resulted in the seizure of a large amount of cash and hundreds of books, including a 19th-century French-language book allegedly stolen from the National Library of Paris. Four members of the organized criminal group were arrested.

The investigation revealed that since the beginning of 2022, Georgian citizens formed an organized criminal group to covertly obtain valuable 19th-century books for subsequent sale across Europe. The group used fake identity cards, names, and pre-made fake book samples to replace the originals. As part of their criminal plan, the group members visited national and university libraries across Europe, where they stole valuable 19th-century books and replaced them with high-quality copies. This scheme allowed them to steal books worth hundreds of thousands of euros from various European libraries in 2022-23.

The detainees face charges of thievery committed by an organized group on a large scale, punishable by 6 to 10 years in prison.

The Prosecutor’s Office has requested imprisonment as a preventive measure. The investigation continues in cooperation with the countries involved in the international investigation team to identify and expose additional individuals involved in the organized criminal group’s activities.

The Prosecutor’s Office of Georgia expressed gratitude to the participating countries, the employees of the Georgian Prosecutor’s Office and Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the representatives of Eurojust and Europol for their assistance in the successful operation.