Click HERE to read the first volume [in Russian only]

On 30th September, the first volume of the book Преступление века. Материалы следствия [Crime of the Century. Investigation Materials], about the investigation into the murder of Emperor Nicholas II and his family was published [in Russian] on the website of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation.

The murder of the Imperial Family on 17th July 1918, remains one of the most mysterious and controversial crimes of the 20th century. The events of more than a century ago are now presented for the first time in a three-volume Russian language edition based strictly on documentary evidence and reliable archival sources. In chronological order, episode by episode, the book describes the tragic events associated with the murder of the Imperial Family and the Bolshevik and Soviet attempts to conceal their remains.

The three volumes will explore the investigative work done in the years 1918 to 1924, the early 1990s, to the present day. The final volume explores the current results of the investigation in the criminal case, resumed by the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation in 2015, which managed to recreate an objective picture of those distant days and fill in the previously existing gaps.

According to the Chairman of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation A.I. Bastrykin: “modern 21st century science and expert research have allowed us to delve much deeper into the essence of the tragic events of 1917 in more detail, permitting us to draw impartial and well-grounded conclusions.”

“Scientific and technological progress has made it possible to conduct unique forensic examinations, including medico-forensic (anthropological). An important role was played by the work of cartographers, thanks to which 3D models of the murder room in the Ipatiev House. In addition, the schemes of the Koptyakovskaya road were recreated. Photos, archives, diaries, memoirs, audio recordings – all helped to form the basis of this unique publishing project”, he added.

This 3-volume book is the result of a joint effort of investigators of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation, which includes scientists, researchers, and other experts. It remains the most complete and up-to-date study into the investigation of a century-old crime, which remains one of the darkest pages in the history of 20th century Russia.

The Bishops’ Council of the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) is scheduled to meet in Moscow from 15th to 18th November 2021, where they will review the findings of the Investigative Commission and deliver their verdict on the authenticity of the Ekaterinburg Remains.

© Paul Gilbert. 30 September 2021