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SS Kommandant Rolf Mühler, head of the SiPo-SD for the Marseille region
In his deposition below, during his trial in Lyon, Rolf Mühler explains clearly that the use of gangsters was a strategic decision of his hierarchy. His subordinate, Willie Bauer, head of Section IV (including Jewish affairs), was employing amongst others, Charles Palmieri and his gang who were on his payroll and received weapons, means of transportation and German police badges.
I know very well that the true gangster bosses in Marseille, Messers. Carbone, Spirito, Palmieri, etc. have worked in Section VI in Paris. Once – at the very beginning of 1943 – the French police had tried to arrest these Gentlemen. Our service in Paris intervened to prevent their arrest…
A certain Monsieur Ottavi who preferred to be called Norbert came several times to see me. He too was one of the great black market aces. He was in close cooperation with several German economic services… Especially with several officers whose offices were at the “Splendid” hotel. These officers were making very big purchases. It is certain that he made a lot of money through his collaboration with the Germans. One day, he was arrested by the French police. Before arresting him, Mr. Andrieu came to ask for my approval…
One Monsieur Carbone was very closely connected with a certain Monsieur Mayer who was working for the AST in Cologne. This Monsieur Mayer who was playing a big role in Marseille had very good relations with all the big gangsters. One could even say that he was himself one of the biggest gangsters in Marseille. The role he was playing on the black market was considerable. That was the reason why many German soldiers and officers were going and seeing him for purchases… He was in contact with all the German economic services, therefore also with Section V of my service…
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