Izzy Einstein and Moe Smith

Who was Izzy Einstein and Moe Smith?

Izzy Einstein and Moe Smith were United States federal police officers, agents of the U.S. Prohibition Unit, who achieved the most successful number of arrests and convictions during the first years of the alcohol prohibition era. They were known nationally for successfully shutting down illegal speakeasies and for using disguises in their work.

They made 4,932 arrests, of which 95% gained convictions. In late 1925, Izzy and Moe were laid off in a reorganization of the bureau of enforcement. A report in Time magazine suggested they had attracted more publicity than wanted by the new political appointee heading the bureau, although the press and public loved the team. By 1930, both men were working as insurance salesmen.