Iris Ramaya Au, the former girlfriend of Adam Iza—infamously known as the crypto “Godfather”—has pleaded guilty to a federal tax charge after failing to report over $2.6 million in illicit income linked to her ex-boyfriend’s crimes.
Guilty Plea in Tax Evasion Case
Au admitted to submitting a false tax return by omitting the millions she gained from Iza’s fraudulent activities, according to a statement from the U.S. Department of Justice on March 5.
Her ex, Adam Iza, pleaded guilty in January to orchestrating multiple fraudulent schemes between 2020 and 2024. His crimes included illegally acquiring and selling access to Facebook and Meta advertising accounts, as well as engaging in credit fraud. The Justice Department confirmed that Iza amassed millions in unreported income through these schemes.
Use of Illegal Funds
Under Iza’s direction, Au allegedly established shell companies and opened bank accounts under their names to help manage the illicit funds. She then used the money to:
- Pay approximately $1 million in bribes to Los Angeles County deputies
- Purchase or lease luxury real estate, cars, jewelry, and designer clothing
- Fund nearly $10 million in recreational activities
- Acquire around $16 million worth of cryptocurrency
Iza, the founder of the Zort crypto trading platform, also admitted to conspiring with law enforcement officers to provide him with private security. He even directed them to obtain search warrants and confidential law enforcement records targeting individuals with whom he had financial or personal conflicts.
Potential Prison Time
As part of her plea, Au acknowledged transferring more than $2.6 million from these fraudulent accounts into her personal bank accounts between 2020 and 2023. She now faces a maximum sentence of three years in federal prison.
Meanwhile, Iza, facing charges of conspiracy against rights, wire fraud, and tax evasion, could receive up to 35 years behind bars. His sentencing is scheduled for June 16.
