Russia Detains Professor Over Hermitage Thefts

Inside the Hermitage (epa) August 11, 2006 -- Russian police have arrested a university professor in connection with the theft of more than 200 art objects from the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg.

Police said today that Aleksander Sobolev was has been charged for theft and faces up to 10 years in prison.


The Hermitage, one of the biggest museums in the world, said the 221 items stolen were worth $5 million.


(compiled from news agencies)

RFE/RL In Russian

RFE/RL In Russian


UPDATED CONSTANTLY: Visit RFE/RL's Russian-language website, featuring news, analysis, features, streaming audio, and more, in Russian, from RFE/RL's Russian Service.


ARCHIVE

RFE/RL's English-language coverage of Russia.