LA Sheriff’s Deputies Face Charges in Crypto-Linked Corruption Case

Two Los Angeles sheriff’s deputies have admitted to abusing their authority in a scheme tied to cryptocurrency entrepreneur Adam Iza, who dubbed himself 'The Godfather.' Federal prosecutors allege the deputies participated in fake raids and illegal arrests, with one victim coerced into transferring $25,000 at gunpoint in Iza’s Bel Air mansion.

Iza, founder of crypto trading firm Zort, pleaded guilty earlier this year to conspiracy, wire fraud, and tax evasion. His operation allegedly funneled illicit payments to law enforcement. Deputy David Anthony Rodriguez confessed to misusing his police powers for a private security client, while Christopher Michael Cadman admitted working directly for Iza.

The case underscores the darker intersections of crypto and law enforcement corruption, though no specific cryptocurrencies or exchanges were directly implicated in the charges.