The founder of the crypto trading platform Zort, Adam Iza, has recently found himself in hot water as the FBI has charged him with bribing officials of the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department (LASD) in an extortion scheme. The FBI affidavit uncovered a web of corruption within the LASD, with Iza allegedly using fake warrants and intimidation tactics to exploit his victims.
Luxurious Lifestyle Funded by Stolen Money
According to the FBI affidavit, Iza is accused of using the stolen funds to support his lavish lifestyle, which included spending on luxury vehicles, rent payments for a Bel Air mansion, and even cosmetic surgery to increase his height. He reportedly bragged about paying as much as $280,000 per month to the LASD officers who were working for him illegally.
Tax Evasion Allegations
In addition to the extortion scheme, Iza is also facing charges of tax evasion. The FBI detailed how Iza allegedly concealed “tens of millions of dollars” obtained through fraudulent means between 2020 and 2022 to evade taxes. This adds another layer of criminality to the already serious charges against him.
Failed Kidnapping Attempt and Intimidation Tactics
One of Iza’s victims, identified as E.Z., had prior business relations with him. E.Z. alleged that Iza attempted to kidnap him in order to gain access to his digital assets through his phone. The victim claimed that Iza tried to kidnap him with the help of two former LASD officials posing as bodyguards. Fortunately, E.Z. managed to escape the kidnapping attempt.
Following the failed kidnapping, E.Z. and his associate received numerous intimidating messages from Iza, including threats to turn over his laptop containing crypto assets. The victim and his associate were also subjected to identity theft, stalking, impersonation, and phone number spoofing as part of Iza’s intimidation tactics.
Corroborating Evidence and Law Enforcement Collusion
E.Z.’s allegations were corroborated by a private detective employed by Iza, who revealed that he had received information from Iza that could only have been obtained from law enforcement sources. Furthermore, Iza’s law enforcement allies submitted fake affidavits to obtain warrants to track E.Z.’s phone and even robbed the victim’s associate under Iza’s directions.
The FBI believes that Iza’s associates also attempted to break into E.Z.’s house, but their plans were foiled when E.Z. defended himself by firing at the intruders. The extent of the collusion between Iza and corrupt LASD officials is alarming and sheds light on the depth of the corruption within the department.
Bribery Allegations and Shell Companies
According to the affidavit, Iza used Zort and other businesses to pay over $250,000 to one of the corrupt police officers and his businesses between 2021 and 2022. Additionally, Iza’s then-girlfriend allegedly paid the officer $22,000 from her personal account and $198,149 from the account of Dream Agency, a shell company incorporated by her. Iza and his girlfriend are also accused of bribing a total of three LASD officials and one of the official’s brother.
The allegations against Adam Iza paint a disturbing picture of corruption, extortion, and intimidation within the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department. The FBI’s investigation has uncovered a complex web of criminal activity that spans multiple years and involves multiple individuals. As the case unfolds, more details are likely to emerge, shedding further light on the extent of the corruption within the LASD and the lengths to which individuals like Iza are willing to go to exploit their victims.
