Adam Iza faces a number of federal charges that will likely lead to a long prison sentence
Adam Iza, the founder of crypto trading platform Zort, faces serious charges involving cryptocurrency fraud, bribery, and the use of corrupt law enforcement officers to amass millions, according to a recent FBI affidavit. Federal prosecutors revealed that Iza used a network of shell companies to funnel large sums of money, which he then spent on luxury items, all while evading taxes on tens of millions of dollars.
The FBI’s investigation alleges that Iza, also known by aliases such as Ahmed Faiq and “The Godfather,” paid three deputies from the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department (LASD) substantial sums—up to $280,000 per month—to obtain sensitive police information and carry out unlawful actions, such as filing false search warrants. These deputies allegedly helped Iza intimidate a victim, referred to as “E.Z.,” by showing him police data that was improperly accessed. E.Z. claimed to have been harassed with threatening messages displaying personal information, including photos of his family and car.
A key element of the scheme involved Iza’s attempt to force E.Z. into handing over a laptop containing cryptocurrency. A private investigator hired by Iza confirmed that he had sent pictures of sensitive law enforcement data and a GPS search warrant for E.Z.’s phone, none of which had any legal basis.
The FBI uncovered one search warrant tied to an LASD deputy who had allegedly received payments from Iza, adding E.Z.’s phone number to a case that had no connection to him. The affidavit further details how Iza made significant payments, sometimes as much as $200,000, to LASD deputies through his companies, including businesses owned by his then-girlfriend.
Iza now faces charges related to conspiracy and tax evasion, as federal authorities continue to investigate the full scope of his illegal activities. Both Iza’s legal team and the LASD have yet to comment on the case.
