Numerous Nazi war criminals, including Josef Mengele, Adolf Eichmann, and Erich Priebke, evaded impending prosecution after the collapse of the Nazi regime by fleeing overseas. International organizations such as the Red Cross primarily served as escape helpers, providing many former Nazis with new identities. However, church circles also played a crucial role in the escape of war criminals to South America or Arab states. Gerald Steinacher precisely traces the escape routes of Nazi perpetrators, particularly the route referred to by U.S. intelligence as the "ratline," which went through South Tyrol to Rome or Genoa and from there further overseas. He questions the involvement of both the Catholic and Protestant churches, as well as humanitarian organizations, and describes the diverse relationships involved.