Dutch publishing house pulls bombshell Anne Frank book from shelves, apologizes

A Dutch publishing house pulls a recently published book alleging that a Jewish notary tipped off the Nazis to Anne Frank’s hiding place, following criticism about the investigation on which it was based.

Publisher Ambo Anthos says it is pulling the Dutch edition of “The Betrayal of Anne Frank: A Cold Case investigation” by Canadian author Rosemary Sullivan with immediate effect.

According to the book — based on an investigation led by retired FBI detective Vince Pankoke — notary Arnold van den Bergh may have revealed the Franks’ hiding place in Amsterdam to the Nazis in a bid to save his own family.

Experts have complained that the investigation was based solely on hypotheses and an erroneous interpretation of the sources.

“A number of prominent experts presented a very critical report on the investigation that is described in the book,” Ambo Anthos says in a statement. “Based on the conclusions of this report, we have decided that effective immediately, the book will no longer be available.”

“We will call upon bookstores to return their stock,” the publisher adds. “We would once again like to offer our sincere apologies to everyone who has been offended by the contents of this book.”