On a wooded Connecticut road in the summer of 2024, would-be kidnappers pulled a couple from their Lamborghini SUV, beat them in broad daylight and threw them into a van. The attack drew immediate attention: an off-duty FBI agent was among the witnesses who called 911, and the kidnappers were arrested shortly after.
The investigation led police to a startling connection — the month before, the couple’s son had been the victim of a $245 million Bitcoin heist, and the kidnappers were after a piece of the stolen loot, according to court records and prosecutors.
This week, the man authorities say orchestrated the plot admitted his role. Adam Iza, 25, of California, pleaded guilty Monday in federal court to conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery. Federal prosecutors are seeking a prison term of at least 14 years when he is sentenced.
Iza, described by prosecutors as a cryptocurrency mogul who referred to himself as “The Godfather,” had previously hired off-duty sheriff’s deputies to strongarm his enemies, according to court documents.
The guilty plea closes a case that drew national attention to the violent side of cryptocurrency disputes and the lengths some wealthy figures are willing to go to recover or seize digital fortunes.