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6 Israelis Arrested in Russia in Ancient Documents Theft

February 2, 1995
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Six Israelis were arrested this week in connection with the theft of some 90 ancient manuscripts valued at $330 million from the National Library in St. Petersburg, Russia.

The men were apprehended by police after Russian investigators passed on evidence implicating them in theft.

Israel Television reported that the manuscripts were stolen in December. Russian police got hold of the ancient documents before the suspects were able to smuggle them out of the country.

Based on the questioning of the suspects in Russia and other evidence, the Israeli suspects, all men in their 40s from the Tel Aviv, Bat Yam and Haifa areas, allegedly helped plan the break-in. They then were supposed to help sell the stolen manuscripts.

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