An American visitor to the former Auschwitz- Birkenau death camp attempted to steal a metal part of the historic rail tracks where prisoners were unloaded, officials said.
The 37-year-old man has been charged with attempted theft of an item of cultural importance, according to police sources in the southern Polish town of Oswiecim, which was under German occupation during World War II. The crime can be punished with up to 10 years in prison.
The man admitted his guilt but has been released as he awaits further steps.
The memorial site has faced multiple attempts of theft and vandalism in recent years.
In 2009 the sign with the Nazi slogan “Arbeit Macht Frei” (“Work Will Set You Free”) was stollen at the death camp’s main gate. It was found cut into pieces and was repaired and stored in a safe place. A replica is now in its place.
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