The Moscow headquarters of Eksmo, Russia’s largest book publisher, was targeted in a police operation on 21 April 2026. Authorities seized thousands of volumes and took chief executive Yevgeny Kapiev in for questioning, according to media reports and statements from the company. Investigators said the action is part of a criminal case opened under laws addressing extremism, linked to the distribution of titles from a subsidiary, Popcorn Books. Company spokespeople confirmed that several senior managers, including the finance director and distribution head, were also interrogated by the Investigative Committee, and that staff have faced repeated probes since earlier allegations surfaced.
The raid follows a chain of legal measures and prosecutions stretching back several years. In January 2026 Popcorn became the first publisher formally accused over what authorities call “gay propaganda”, and the investigation widened after arrests and searches in May 2026. Russia’s Supreme Court meanwhile made a consequential ruling at the end of 2026, designating the so-called “international LGBT movement” as extremist — a classification human rights groups say gives prosecutors broad power to pursue organisations, media and cultural outlets associated with LGBT topics. Popcorn announced its closure on Telegram amid mounting legal pressure, expressing worry for former colleagues.
Investigation and immediate actions
The official line from investigators is that some books published or marketed by Eksmo and its subsidiaries contain material that allegedly promotes same-sex relationships to minors. State-linked outlets reported that the publisher is suspected of distributing content amounting to gay propaganda, a legal category that has been applied in previous cases. Police reportedly removed thousands of titles during searches at Eksmo’s offices, and company executives were summoned for questioning. The operation was framed by authorities as an enforcement of laws meant to protect minors and public morality, though critics argue the evidence standard is vague and the measures disproportionate.
Legal basis and charges
The probe references provisions used to police speech and cultural goods under the rubric of extremism, a term that in recent rulings has been interpreted broadly by courts and prosecutors. Under tightened legislation, publishers can be ordered to withdraw and even destroy entire print runs deemed to violate the rules, and individuals involved in publishing may face fines or criminal charges. Earlier actions against Popcorn and other cultural producers demonstrate how regulatory tools have been applied to books, films and public events. Observers say the legal framework enables sustained pressure on independent publishers and channels cultural content through a narrow official narrative.
Impact on publishing and culture
The effect on Russia’s literary ecosystem is already visible. Editors, translators and booksellers report a growing tendency toward self-censorship as the cost of controversy rises. Titles that include LGBT characters or themes, even when presented in fiction or historical context, risk being labelled harmful and removed from sale. Cultural works that touch on social issues face added scrutiny, and publishers must weigh commercial viability against legal exposure. Some high-profile biographies and literary studies now carry warning labels for unrelated reasons, showing how regulatory reach has extended into unexpected corners of cultural life.
Consequences for books and creators
Beyond seizures and interrogations, the practical implications include halted print runs, damaged distribution channels and the closure of imprints such as Popcorn. Authors and editors who once had access to broad audiences now face uncertainty about whether their work will reach readers. Rights groups warn that the campaign equates to erasure of LGBT narratives from public discourse and that the chilling effect will deter emerging voices. For readers, too, the removal of diverse perspectives narrows available choices and diminishes the role of literature as a space for empathy and debate.
International response and significance
Human rights organisations and free-expression advocates have condemned the raid and the legal pattern it represents, calling it part of a wider clampdown on civic life and dissent. International observers point out that the measures align with a broader ultraconservative turn in state policy that accelerated after the full-scale conflict launched in 2026, and that they undermine commitments to artistic freedom. The administration of such cases through criminal procedures raises alarms about proportionality and the ability of judges to act independently. For the global publishing community, the events at Eksmo signal a deteriorating environment for pluralism and cross-border cultural exchange.