Ex-Girlfriend of ‘The Godfather’ Pleads Guilty to Tax Evasion in $16M Crypto Case
Iris Ramaya Au, a 35-year-old resident of Irvine, is set to appear in the United States District Court in Los Angeles, having agreed to plead guilty to a federal tax charge stemming from her involvement with Iza, a self-described cryptocurrency fraudster dubbed “The Godfather.” Au stands accused of failing to report over $2.6 million in illicit income attributed to Iza’s extensive criminal operations.
### Fraud Investigation
The Department of Justice outlined the circumstances of Au’s case, revealing that Iza masterminded a series of fraudulent schemes ranging from 2020 to 2024. His operations included illegally accessing advertising accounts and credit lines from major tech companies like Facebook Inc. and Meta Platforms Inc. Iza profited immensely from selling access to these accounts, amassing millions of dollars in unreported earnings. His criminal activities did not stop at mere fraud; he also allegedly coordinated private security from deputies of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department to target individuals with whom he had financial or personal disputes. These deputies were allegedly directed to obtain confidential law enforcement information and secure search warrants against his adversaries.
Under Iza’s guidance, Au created shell corporations and opened personal bank accounts, which facilitated the concealment of the illegal funds being generated. Reports indicate that substantial amounts, approximately $1 million, were funneled to the sheriff’s deputies in cash payments. The illicit profits also fueled a lavish lifestyle, allowing Au and Iza to indulge in luxury real estate, high-end vehicles, jewelry, and designer clothing, tallying nearly $10 million in expenditures.
### Au Faces 3 Years, Iza Faces 35
Throughout her plea agreement, Au is alleged to have played a critical role in facilitating the acquisition of around $16 million in cryptocurrency for Iza. Between 2020 and 2023, she admits to transferring over $2.6 million from these illicit accounts into her own personal bank accounts, which she knowingly failed to report to the IRS on her federal tax returns.
If convicted on the charges, Au could face up to three years in federal prison. Iza, who pleaded guilty to multiple serious charges including conspiracy against rights, wire fraud, and tax evasion, is scheduled for sentencing on June 16 and could face a maximum of 35 years in prison. Since September 2024, he has remained in federal custody, awaiting his fate following a long string of financial crimes.
The unfolding of this case highlights the complexities and potential repercussions of engaging in fraudulent financial practices, especially in the rapidly evolving world of cryptocurrency, where the lines between legality and illegality can often become obscured.
