In 1929, Al Capone landed in prison for the first time and Alois took over the management of all his operations. Prohibition was still in force and keeping everything running was no small feat. He had to make sure the bars stayed open, the liquor kept moving and everyone did their job the way they were supposed to.
Capone was released a year later but the situation only grew more complicated. Federal authorities began pressing down on the entire organization in an effort to get Capone for tax evasion and send him back to prison. As one of Capone’s closest associates, Alois could feel the noose tightening around him. “I have only two choices: betray my friend or disappear,” he noted in his diary.
He didn’t take long to decide. He knew that with a Czech name, he’d leave too obvious a trail and everyone would soon track him down. So he got himself false papers, assumed the identity of Alphonse Mitch, and set off for London. His move only bought his friend a little breathing room — under pressure from the authorities, Capone’s accountant eventually cracked and the mob boss was back behind bars.
Mitch the Snitch