Self-styled ‘Godfather’ gets 6 years for Meta fraud, Bitcoin robbery

Meta fraud scheme — A self-proclaimed “Godfather” has been sentenced to six years in federal prison for a multimillion-dollar fraud scheme against Meta, with the sentence to run concurrently with a 15-year term for his role in an attempted Bitcoin robbery.

Adam Iza, 26, received a 78-month sentence for defrauding Meta of more than $37 million, evading taxes, and using off-duty Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies to intimidate rivals, according to a U.S. Department of Justice statement. Prosecutors said Iza gained unauthorized access to Meta advertising accounts and credit lines, receiving at least $36.4 million and causing an estimated $13.3 million in tax losses.

Iza was ordered to pay $23.4 million in restitution. The court ordered his six-year sentence for the Meta fraud to be served at the same time as a separate 15-year prison term imposed last month for his involvement in an attempted Bitcoin robbery.

The case highlights the intersection of traditional financial fraud and crypto-related crime. Iza’s sentencing underscores the legal consequences for individuals who exploit digital platforms and engage in violent crimes targeting cryptocurrency holdings.