While in the ghetto in Vilnius smuggling of food was punishable by death, under Plagge's command a blind eye was turned on the black market for food in the camp. Due to these measures no prisoner died of starvation in the camp.
In Vilnius's ghetto, smuggling food resulted in execution. However, under Plagge's leadership, the black market for food within the camp remained unchecked, preventing any deaths from starvation.