More Details of Nazi Past Haunt IKEA Founder

Secret service had file on Ingvar Kamprad, new book reveals
By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff
Posted Aug 25, 2011 2:17 PM CDT
More Details of Nazi Past Haunt IKEA Founder
Ingvar Kamprad, founder of IKEA, is seen after being presented the Lifetime Achievment Award by Princess Victoria of Sweden on May 12, 2006 in London, England.   (Getty Images)

You may never feel the same way about buying cheap furniture again: IKEA founder Ingvar Kamprad was a member of Svensk Socialistisk Samling, a new book reveals. Swedish journalist Elisabeth Åsbrink reveals a 1943 file opened on Kamprad by the secret service, which concluded Kamprad must have held “some sort of official position” within the radical party, which was initially similar to Germany's Nazi Party and even adopted the swastika as its first party emblem.

The book also quotes letters sent by a 17-year-old Kamprad detailing his excitement about recruiting new members to the movement. The now-85-year-old billionaire has long tried to overcome the “stain” of his far right involvement, the Daily Telegraph notes, and said in 1998 that "there would be nothing hidden." Åsbrink’s book proves he was an active member of the Svensk Socialistisk Samling for the first time. A rep for Kamprad called her findings "old news." (More Ingvar Kamprad stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X