Polish police have determined that the robbery of Auschwitz-Birkenau's Nazi death camp's 'Arbeit Macht Frei [Works Sets You Free]' sign was not committed by neo-Nazis. So, it was probably a theft-to-order for right-wing private antiquities dealers.
Krakow District Police Chief Andrzej Rokita stated that 'none of the five are members of a neo-Nazi group.... Their intent was undoubtedly robbery-related'.
Neo-Nazis
Perversely (in both senses of the word), Holocaust deniers have stolen 'soil and other artefacts' as "evidence" that Nazi extermination plans had been 'exaggerated'.
These thieves could have been neo-Nazis unconnected with a neo-Nazi group; but the Polish police have presumably searched the thieves' homes and found no neo-Nazi literature, no Nazi memorabilia, etc., so they were (very probably) not.
Nevertheless, the police know nothing about the contractors who ordered the theft; they could still be neo-Nazis; but it is becoming more likely that they are right-wing private antiquities collectors.
Aside
I can understand the Daily Telegraph classifying this story as 'Middle East / Israel' news; but I think it should be 'Europe / Poland' news.
Daily Telegraph, the. 2009: "Criminal gang arrested for stealing Auschwitz sign". The Daily Telegraph, 21st December. Available at: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/israel/6856183/Criminal-gang-arrested-for-stealing-Auschwitz-sign.html
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