Swedish police looking into bird egg theft

SUNDSVALL, Sweden, Jan. 23 (UPI) -- Police in Sweden are investigating allegations a man stole rare bird eggs and nests to sell to collectors worldwide.

Police in the northern Swedish community of Sundsvall recently received a tip-off from Interpol in the United Kingdom about the man's alleged illegal activities, The Local reported Monday.

"The suspect lives in southern Sweden," said Stefan Sundberg of the Sundsvall police.

The suspect, who has not been identified, is in violation of Sweden's protected species laws, the Interpol report alleges, and has allegedly collected a large amount of rare eggs already.

The bird eggs thefts took place across Sweden between 2007 and 2010.

Police are also looking into a potential link to a 45-year-old resident of Harnosand arrested last year for being in possession of more than 1,000 species of bird, including a rare eagle-owl and other birds of prey.

"Some of the eggs must have been especially rare and protection-worthy," Sundberg said.