MOSCOW, July 17 (RAPSI) – Charges have been brought against a group of Muscovites who allegedly stole rare and antique books from Moscow libraries, RIA Novosti reported on Friday from the Moscow department of the Interior Ministry.

The suspects are believed to have stolen and sold many old books over the past eight years. Investigators have evidence of 10 such cases. They have charged three members of the group under a Criminal Code article on the theft of items of intrinsic value. If found guilty, they could receive up to 15 years in prison.

“Investigators found that the group members stole antique books of historical, scientific, artistic and cultural value and sold them at auctions, through resale shops, secondhand bookshop and art centers, as well as to collectors. Police have established the group’s scheme, including the suspects, the masterminds behind the operations, and the sales network of stolen goods,” said an official at the Moscow department of the Interior Ministry.

Police searched the suspected organizer’s premises and found books that could have been stolen from Moscow libraries.