Crypto Boss Bribed LA Cops to Extort Victims, FBI Alleges

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.

Did you know?

Want to get smarter & wealthier with crypto?

Subscribe - We publish new crypto explainer videos every week!

What is DeFi in Crypto? (Explained with Animations)

SUBSCRIBE

ON YOUTUBE

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.

Gode S. , Web3 Market Analyst

Gode is a Web3 Market Analyst who researches the most important industry events and interprets how they affect the wider Web3 space. Her formal education in media culture & digital rhetoric allows her to employ a methodical approach to evaluating critical Web3 news data, including large-scale events and the wider social sentiment within the ecosystem.
Gode is a mutilingual professional, having studied in multiple universities all across Europe. This allows her to have a one-of-a-kind opportunity to analyze Web3 social sentiments spanning different cultures and languages and, in turn, develop a much deeper understanding of how the Web3 space is growing within different communities. With the rest of her team, Gode works to identify crucial crypto news patterns and provide unbiased and data-driven information.
Gode’s passions include working and communicating with people, and when she’s not researching Web3 news, she spends her time traveling and watching true crime documentaries.

Full Bio

All Expert Contributors & Analysts