Algoth Niska lived and worked during 1888 -1954. The Prohibition Law from 1919 to 1932 caused a massive liquor smuggling in Finland. Algoth Niska was in the forefront and had customers even in Germany and Sweden. The smuggling of liquor took him on exciting adventures on stormy seas and many escapes from the coast guard. ”Agi”, as they called him, was a brave man who loved new adventures and taking on new challenges.

After the abolishment of the Prohibition Act, liquor smuggling was no longer profitable, however, Niska’s career as a smuggler did not end there. A meeting with a Jewish furtrader marked the beginning of Niska’s new career – as a people smuggler. In the following years, Niska helped as many as 150 Jews escape.