Research concerning the GDR, especially the dictatorial power machinery of the SED, has led to a number of studies concerning the three main armed branches of the East German authorities: the state security, the police and the national armed forces, including the relationships among these three. Yet the fourth "armed organ," the Customs Administration, has received relatively little attention, although everyone both in the East and West eventually came into contact with these officials – whether when crossing the borders or through the passing of packages from West to East.With this volume Jörn-Michael Goll closes the gap concerning our knowledge of the power apparatus of the SED, whereby he speaks not of and about those who served, but also with the "controlled controllers," who are quoted in many places by the author, albeit critically.