‘Neo-Nazi’ with Breivik link arrested in France

The purchase raised suspicions that he could turn to violence, according to the Paris prosecutor’s office

Vikernes, who is also a convicted murderer, had in the past received a copy of a manifesto from Breivik, according to the prosecutor’s office and media reports.

Officers were searching his home for weapons and explosives, a police source told Reuters.

Far-right militant Breivik killed 77 people in a bombing in central Oslo and a shooting spree on a nearby island in July 2011. He was imprisoned for the maximum 21-year term last year.

Breivik sent a copy of a manifesto setting out his ideology to Vikernes, an official at the prosecutor’s office said.

“That was at the origin of the investigation… There were several suspicions that made the services fear he could possibly carry out a violent act,” the official said.

Firearms permit

Vikernes had been arrested in Correze, the office told Reuters. His wife had a legal firearms permit when she bought the four rifles, the official said.

On his website, Vikernes discusses Breivik’s manifesto, but also criticises him for killing innocent Norwegians.

Vikernes, a heavy metal musician and writer known as Varg, was convicted in 1994 of stabbing a man to death in Oslo and burning down several churches.

He was released in 2009 and moved to France with his wife and three children.