A major scandal is unfolding in the Russian book publishing world involving the criminal prosecution of employees of one of the most well-known publishing houses — Popcorn Books. Investigative authorities have opened a case against former editors and executives of the company, as well as managers of the Eksmo-AST holding. The charges are based on the results of an investigative operation, which led to the arrest in absentia of the suspects and the confiscation of their assets.

The essence of the charge: from the 'yellow list' to an extremism article

According to case materials published by the outlet Meduza, the criminal proceedings were initiated following a 'sting operation' (controlled purchase). In the spring of 2025, officers from specialized units combating extremism organized the purchase of a book at one of the retail outlets. A key feature of the operation was that the buyers were two underage girls.

After the acquisition of the publication, a comprehensive linguistic and psychological-pedagogical expert examination was ordered. Experts concluded that the text of the book contains information that harms the health and development of minors, as well as information aimed at forming non-traditional sexual orientations. This conclusion became the key factor in qualifying the actions of the publishers.

The publishing house's survival strategy

The investigation established that after the tightening of legislation at the end of 2022, when a complete ban on the propaganda of non-traditional sexual relationships was introduced, the management of Popcorn Books developed an internal product classification system to minimize risks.

The assortment was divided into two categories:

  • 'Red list': Books whose sale on the territory of the Russian Federation was completely discontinued. These publications were planned for export for sale abroad.
  • 'Yellow list': Publications whose legal status required additional assessment. Trade within the country temporarily continued, however, it was this category that became the cause of the problems.

It was a book from the 'yellow list' that was purchased during the operational check. Investigators considered that the sale of such literature to minors is evidence of involvement in the activities of a banned organization.

Legal qualification and consequences

The Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation qualified the actions of the officials under Article 282.2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (organization of the activities of an extremist organization). This qualification is directly linked to the decision of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation from November 2023, which recognized the 'international LGBT public movement' as extremist and banned its activities.

Several former editors and executives of Popcorn Books, as well as managers of the fiction departments of the Eksmo holding, are defendants in the case. Since some of the suspects were outside Russia at the time the case was opened, the court selected a preventive measure in the form of arrest in absentia. All of them have been placed on the federal and international wanted lists.

Furthermore, within the framework of ensuring the criminal process, the court has placed an arrest on the identified assets and real estate of the accused located on the territory of the Russian Federation. This decision underscores the seriousness of the investigation's intentions and the scale of the consequences faced by participants in the book market.