12 Dec True Hacking Story: From Teen Computer Whiz To Crypto Godfather
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This week in cybersecurity from the editors at Cybercrime Magazine
Sausalito, Calif. – Dec. 12, 2025
–Watch the YouTube video
In early 2025, self-proclaimed crypto Godfather Adam Iza pleaded guilty to federal criminal charges in a conspiracy that targeted multiple victims in Los Angeles and had ties as far up as the city Sheriff’s department.
Long before facing legal fallout however, Iza was simply a young computer whiz who made millions off cryptocurrency, living in Beverly Hills, according to Rolling Stone in a story authored by reporter Jesse Hyde. He was not the typical client for Paramount Investigative Services founder Ken Childs, but he would prove to be among the most notorious.
A laptop, perhaps one of the world’s most valuable pieces of personal hardware, is a mysterious and intriguing part of the story. “That laptop’s probably sitting at a billion plus dollars,” said Childs, adding “It’s the world’s most expensive paperweight.”
The editors at Cybercrime Magazine produced a captivating four minute video covering Iza with clips from an interview we conducted with Childs.
Watch the Video
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