Former neo-Nazi arrested in connection with Auschwitz sign theft

Stockholm, Feb. 12 (ANI): A former neo-Nazi has been arrested by Swedish police in connection with the theft of the "Arbeit Macht Frei" sign from Auschwitz concentration camp.

Anders Hoegstroem, 35, who founded a group called the National Socialist Front in Sweden in 1994, was arrested at his home in central Stockholm.

"He is currently being held at a police station and has asked for a lawyer, which we are trying to get him," The Telegraph quoted prosecutor Agneta Hilding Qvarnstroem, as saying.

Poland had issued an international arrest warrant for Hoegstroem as part of its investigation into the robbery that made world headlines after five thieves stole the 16-foot sign from the gates of Auschwitz on December 18.

According to Swedish media, Hoegstroem told Swedish media that he was to work as an intermediary, pick the sign up and then sell it on the black-market to somebody who was "prepared to millions" for it.

But the plan apparently collapsed after Polish police recovered the sign, cut into three pieces, and rounded up the gang two days after the theft.

As the alleged buyer continues to remains a mystery, and speculation still continues to spread over why the sign was stolen.

Hoegstroem now faces deportation to Poland. (ANI)