Federal prosecutors have filed charges against Adam Iza, also known as Ahmed Faiq or The Godfather, accusing him of orchestrating a scheme of fraud and bribery.
Iza, the founder of the crypto trading platform Zort, allegedly evaded taxes, funneling millions of dollars through shell companies and using the funds to finance his lavish lifestyle. His purchases reportedly included high-end cars, rent payments for a Bel Air mansion, and even a leg-lengthening surgery for $64,000.
A key element of the charges involves Iza's alleged collaboration with members of the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department (LASD). According to the FBI's findings, Iza paid corrupt deputies up to $280,000 per month for access to police data and fake search warrants.
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One of Iza's alleged victims, identified as E.Z., was reportedly harassed and threatened to give up a laptop containing cryptocurrency. Iza reportedly sent threatening messages, one of which included photos of their family members and their car, along with the text "Everyone you know."
Further evidence links Iza to a suspicious search warrant issued by one of the deputies involved, which included E.Z.'s phone number, even though it wasn't related to any real investigation. In one message received by the FBI, Iza said:
My guy actually filed the warrant—that's some serious stuff to do for someone, risking a career of 24 years. [REDACTED]
Investigators believe Iza used several businesses registered under his ex-girlfriend's name to pay the deputies involved.
Iza is now facing multiple charges, including conspiracy against rights and tax evasion. As of now, neither Iza's legal team nor the LASD has commented on the allegations.
This case highlights a network of corruption, fraud, and police misconduct that federal agents are continuing to investigate.
Crypto-related crime is becoming an increasingly severe issue in the United States. According to a recent report by the FBI, Americans lost $5.6 billion in 2023 due to crypto scams.
