In significant legal situation unfolding in Moscow, Artyom Vakhlyayev,the sales director for Eksmo,finds himself facing serious allegations regarding the sale of literature with LGBT themes. Prosecutors have urged the court to impose a suspended prison sentence on him due to claims of involvement with extremist activities.
The hearings are ongoing at the Zamoskvoretsky District Court, where the initial plea for confidentiality from the defense was rejected. During investigation, Vakhlyayev reportedly confessed to his role and provided insights into others allegedly involved in the sale of queer literature.
In May 2025,Vakhlyayev was arrested alongside Pavel Ivanov, the former sales director of Popcorn Books, and Dmitry Protopopov, who oversees both Popcorn Books and Individuum. Following their arrest,they were held under restrictive conditions for nearly a year before their release. These legal challenges emerged amid broader crackdown that began after Russian government enacted law in December 2023,banning what it has labeled the “international LGBT movement.”
The prosecution contends that the Eksmo publishing group aimed to expose minors to LGBT ideologies, citing specific transactions involving young buyers,including one instance of a monitored purchase. Authorities allege that Vakhlyayev was instrumental in managing these orders.
During the proceedings, Vakhlyayev offered limited details in his statements. However, documents from the investigation revealed a list of prohibited titles compiled by Satenik Anastasyan, the editor-in-chief at Popcorn Books, in mid-2023. Furthermore,it was suggested that Alexandra Shipetina,a senior executive at Eksmo-AST,suggested the reclassification of certain books to allow for their sale under the radar.
Vakhlyayev has implicated several key figures in the case,including Yevgeny Kapyev,CEO of Eksmo, and Anatoly Norovyatkin,who oversees distribution. Meanwhile, Ivanov,who has already received a sentence, has cooperated with investigators,providing information about his long-standing opposition to LGBT issues that he connects to his past involvement with Komsomol patrols.
The case has garnered significant attention from the public and media, commonly referred to as the “book publishers’ case.” In April 2026, multiple executives from Eksmo, including Kapyev,faced detention during the ongoing investigation,although they were later released after questioning. Reports suggest that Protopopov,Vakhlyayev,and Ivanov may have offered testimonies against top executives at Eksmo.
This trial highlights ongoing repression of LGBT rights in Russia,reflecting the government's commitment to suppress queer literature and related initiatives. As developments continue, the implications for freedom of expression and the publishing industry in Russia remain uncertain .
