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Photographer Who Snatched $21K in Rare Books From UES Shop Arrested: NYPD

By Shaye Weaver | October 6, 2016 3:08pm
 Gavriel Hundiashvili was charged in connection to the theft of two rare books worth $21,000.
Gavriel Hundiashvili was charged in connection to the theft of two rare books worth $21,000.
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NYPD

UPPER EAST SIDE — A fashion photographer who stole two rare books worth $21,000 from an East 64th Street bookshop was tracked down to his Queens home and arrested Wednesday, police said.

Gavriel Hundiashili, 35, plucked the antique books off a display case in PRPH Books, at 26 E. 64th St., on April 16, stashed them in a soft briefcase and walked out at about 3 p.m., according to the NYPD.

He was caught on surveillance images released by police last month wearing a button-down, red pants and talking on the phone outside the bookstore, which specializes in manuscripts and first editions.

On Wednesday, the NYPD's Major Case squad arrested Hundiashili at his Forest Hills home at about 8:45 a.m. He later admitted to officers that it was him in the surveillance photos, according to a criminal complaint.

He was charged with grand larceny and criminal possession of stolen property at his arraignment, according to court records.

The books he stole included "Tibertide Chyromantion Hainz," worth $4,900, and "Champer Duelluh Lyon," worth $15,509 — both published during the 16th century, according to authorities.

Hundiashvili was released after paying $5,000 cash bail. He's due back in court on Friday.

His attorney and PRPH Books did not immediately return calls for comment on Thursday.