“Don’t Mention This to the Gestapo for Now.”

Betrayal, Corruption, and Sexual Abuse in the Everyday Life of the Umwandererzentralstelle Litzmannstadt

Abstract

The case of Erich Lorenz, the commander of the Flottwellstraße camp of the Umwandererzentralstelle (UWZ) in Litzmannstadt (Łódź), who committed suicide in 1941, offers insights into the daily life and dynamics of the UWZ under National Socialist rule. Through a micro-historical approach, this case exemplifies the opportunities for abuse that arose in the occupied East, where acts of corruption and violence were frequent. While administrative files and personal testimonies provide a fragmented but revealing picture, they also require critical analysis, as many sources aimed to conceal or redirect blame. The investigation into Lorenz’s financial misconduct and sexual relations with Polish women underscores the widespread culture of impunity and exploitation within the UWZ. Furthermore, the close-knit personal relationships among SS members, the cover-up of wrongdoings, and the punishment of those who exposed misconduct illustrate the internal dynamics of power structures, built on self-interest and mutual protection.