Six books by Alexander Pushkin were stolen from the KB collection in 2023. The information we can now provide on the theft is contained in the following Q&A.

Which books were stolen from the KB?

Six books were stolen from the KB collection.

By what features can the stolen books be identified?

KB collection items are given a signature (a number that allows them to be retrieved) and they also have a barcode. The stolen books have a 'National Library of the Netherlands' stamp in the centre of the front cover as well as a handwritten signature on one of the first pages. Three of the six books have handwritten notes on the cover page. It should be possible to identify the genuine works on the basis of the above edition information in combination with the KB signature. Unfortunately, however, illegal traders often remove information from books by which the rightful owners can be traced. In that case, traces are often left behind showing you that certain elements have been removed. The digitised works also show distinctive features, such as signs of use. 

Download a PDF with the identifying features of the stolen books here.

When were the books stolen from the KB?

The theft happened in the spring of 2023. The KB withheld news of the theft because of the ongoing investigation.

Why is the KB reporting the theft only now?

This is for a number of reasons. Because of the perpetrators’ modus operandi, the disappearance was only linked to a series of international thefts after reports of it appeared within the European library network. After the KB reported the disappearance to the police, it was agreed that we would not make any announcements about it during the ongoing investigation. The measures we had to take internally to improve security also took time. Now that our stolen titles have not been recovered despite the arrest of the suspected perpetrators, we hope that the announcement of the theft will generate new leads so that the books can be recovered.  

How were the books stolen?

Due to the ongoing investigation, the KB cannot disclose any information on how the theft was carried out. The Georgian gang arrested in April 2024 for multiple thefts from libraries is known to use various - and also sophisticated - methods. 

What is the motive behind the theft?

That is anyone's guess. In the words of KB curator Jeroen Vandommele: "The gang was particularly targeting romantic, 19th century Russian literature at an international level. We can only speculate about the motive, but the stolen books will appeal to collectors of patriotic Russian publications." 

Is anything known about the identity of the perpetrators of the KB theft?

We cannot say for sure. Judging from the stolen titles, it does seem plausible that the KB theft was carried out by the same perpetrators as the gang which was active in other countries. However, this could only be proven if the titles were also among the books seized in Georgia. As yet, the KB titles have not been found among the confiscated books, nor anywhere else.

How were the suspected perpetrators found?

They were found as a result of joint investigations by a JIT (Joint Investigation Team) consisting of police officers from France, Georgia, Lithuania, Poland and Switzerland. The Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Germany and Latvia also provided assistance during the investigation. The operation was overseen by Europol and Eurojust. 

How was the theft able to take place?

A theft is always the consequence of a combination of factors. As a national library our aim is to preserve our collection for eternity, but we also ensure that our collections are accessible to the public and researchers. We literally put the collection in the hands of our members. Of course, we try to minimise the risk of theft by taking various measures. Potential perpetrators often do thorough research prior to a heist to ensure they succeed in stealing the desired items. For example, they study routine activities relating to how books are issued and the best time and location to strike. In the interests of the security of our collections, the KB cannot disclose any further information about this.  

What security measures did the KB take after the theft?

After the theft had taken place the KB put a number of measures in place which, inasmuch as is humanly possible, will prevent any similar theft in the future. For example, we drew up a list of 'high-risk books' which are now subject to tighter security. Where necessary, the KB uses precision scales when a collection item is issued and handed in. The library has also taken covert measures.

Are the KB's security measures now up to the required standard?

As a national library our aim is to preserve our collection for eternity, but we also want people to be able to access and use our collection. We literally put the collection in the hands of our members. We try to minimise the risk of theft by taking various measures, which have now been tightened as a result of the theft. Nevertheless, we are aware that the risk of theft can never be completely eliminated. 

Did the KB report the theft to the police?

Yes. The missing books have been reported as stolen to the National Police Investigation Unit (Landelijke Eenheid Opsporing). The titles are registered in Interpol's database.  

What actions has the KB taken to retrieve the books?

The KB has shared information about the stolen books with a number of partner libraries at home and abroad. Colleagues involved in the investigation are also monitoring the Internet to see whether the books are being offered on online auction sites. Unfortunately, no trace of the stolen books has yet been found.   

Is there any way I can help with the investigation?

Now that the police investigation appears to have stalled, the KB and the police are happy to share information about the stolen titles in the hope that Internet sleuths will uncover traces of these collection items online. We are very keen to recover these missing titles and return them to the national library collection so that we can once again make them available to anyone (under secure conditions) in our reading room in The Hague. 

Any tips can be sent to @email.