In a shocking scandal that reads like a crime thriller, federal prosecutors allege that Adam Iza, owner of crypto trading platform Zort, Inc., bribed police officers to access sensitive data and use it for extortion.
Adam Iza, also known as Ahmed Faiq or “The Godfather,” is accused of running a crypto extortion racket, paying three Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department (LASD) deputies a staggering $280,000 a month for illegal access to police databases.
According to an FBI affidavit filed in a Los Angeles federal court on September 23, Iza allegedly used this information to coerce a former business partner, identified only as E.Z., into handing over a crypto-filled laptop.
The scheme began in November 2021, when E.Z. was reportedly ambushed by two men—both former LASD deputies—after stopping for food with Iza. The men, armed and driving an SUV, attempted to force E.Z. into their vehicle. E.Z. fled, suspecting an abduction, and immediately contacted police, believing Iza orchestrated the attack to get his hands on the crypto.
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Court documents reveal a disturbing “campaign of intimidation and harassment” that followed. E.Z. received chilling messages, including photos of his family, his car, and screenshots of police data showing his personal information.
Iza allegedly bragged about using law enforcement as “pawns,” even sending a private investigator sensitive law enforcement documents to track E.Z.
In one instance, a GPS search warrant was unlawfully issued for E.Z.’s phone number by an LASD deputy believed to be on Iza’s payroll. Payments from Iza’s crypto firm, Zort, and other businesses tied to his then-girlfriend were funneled to the deputies, occasionally reaching nearly $200,000.
Adding to the twisted tale, another victim accused Iza of breaking into their home while impersonating an FBI agent, holding them at gunpoint to steal their laptop full of cryptocurrency.
Iza now faces charges of conspiracy against rights and tax evasion, with allegations that he concealed millions of dollars in income between 2020 and 2022. Neither Iza’s lawyer nor the LASD has responded to requests for comment.
