How a carjacking in Connecticut led back to a man known as the crypto ‘Godfather’ in California

The Washington Times ^ | June 2, 2026 | Dave Collins

[Twotone]

On a leafy 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, only to be arrested shortly thereafter as multiple witnesses, including a passing off-duty FBI agent, called police.

The investigation would lead police to some sensational findings.

The attack turned out to be linked to a $245 million Bitcoin heist the month before involving the couple’s son. And this week, a California cryptocurrency mogul who authorities say called himself “The Godfather” and had previously hired off-duty sheriff’s deputies to strongarm his enemies admitted to orchestrating the attempted abduction to get a piece of the son’s stolen loot.

The California man, 25-year-old Adam Iza, pleaded guilty Monday to conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery. Federal prosecutors are seeking a prison term of at least 14 years when he’s sentenced.

Iza’s lawyer, William Paetzold, didn’t immediately respond to Tuesday phone and email messages seeking comment.

The case is part of an increasing trend worldwide of cryptocurrency theft spilling over to violence.

A month before the abduction attempt, one of Iza’s alleged co-conspirators got into a beef with the couple’s son, Veer Chetal, at a Miami nightclub, according to an FBI affidavit. The man, James Schwab, then told an acquaintance to rob Chetal and his friends at their Miami rental home, authorities said. It’s not clear if the robbery happened.

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TOPICS: Crime/Corruption; News/Current Events; US: California; US: Connecticut
KEYWORDS: adamiza; bitcoin; california; connecticut; crypto; cryptocurrency; gold; jamesschwab; reservecurrency; veerchetal; williampaetzold

[Leaning Right]

> previously hired off-duty sheriff’s deputies to strongarm his enemies <

Some lawmen cannot be bought. Elliot Ness is an example. But too many can if the price is right.
😕

Make an example of those deputies. 20 years imprisonment seems about right.

[pops88]

“Iza, also known as Ahmed Faiq....”

Good thing for him he didn’t get caught doing this in a Muslim country.

[Dr. Sivana]

had previously hired off-duty sheriff’s deputies to strongarm his enemies

That doesn't work in Connecticut, as Connecticut no longer has counties or sheriffs.