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A shocking police conspiracy in LA has been unraveled after two Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies pleaded guilty to federal charges, admitting they abused their authority to help a crypto entrepreneur known as “The Godfather.”
The case reveals a disturbing web of bribery, intimidation, and tax evasion, all tied to a digital asset trading platform called Zort.
Court documents reveal Deputy Arturo Rodriguez, 43, exploited his badge to obtain a fraudulent search warrant in July 2022, falsely claiming it was part of a robbery investigation. Instead, he used it to assist Adam Iza, a 24-year-old crypto entrepreneur, in illegal activities. Rodriguez admitted to accepting cash and cryptocurrency payments for his role in the police conspiracy in LA.
“Rodriguez used his position to carry out work that had no place in law enforcement,” — U.S. Attorney’s Office spokesperson.
Another deputy, Christopher Michael Cadman, 33, staged an armed robbery outside Iza’s Bel Air mansion, forcing a victim at gunpoint to transfer $25,000. Cadman also falsified tax returns, underreporting his income while owing thousands to the IRS.
Deputy Eric Chase Saavedra, another key figure in the police conspiracy in LA, used GPS data obtained illegally to stalk and intimidate a victim. Saavedra, currently free on a $50,000 bond, faces an upcoming hearing as the Department of Justice (DOJ) continues its probe.
Meanwhile, Iza allegedly posed as an FBI agent to seize digital assets by force. Prosecutors say his operation funneled $154,900 in bribes to officers and hid $1.7 million from the IRS through shell companies.
“This was a brazen abuse of power, with officers acting as enforcers for a criminal enterprise,” — Legal analyst commenting on the case.
The police conspiracy in LA extended beyond law enforcement. Iza’s ex-girlfriend, Iris Ramaya Au, was charged in March for helping conceal his income—part of a $2.6 million scheme that funded over $10 million in luxury vacations.
Iza struck a plea deal in January but still faces charges for tax evasion, wire fraud, and conspiracy against civil rights. His sentencing hearing is set for December 15.
Two deputies have pleaded guilty to taking bribes in cash and crypto.
A fake FBI agent, illegal GPS tracking, and armed robbery were part of the scheme.
The DOJ is still investigating, with more charges possible.
This case shows the dangers of corruption in law enforcement and the growing intersection of crypto-related crime. As the investigation continues, more details may emerge about this sprawling police conspiracy in LA.
