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Saif Faiq, a 22-year-old Missouri man, has pleaded guilty in federal court in Hartford to a conspiracy charge tied to an attempted Bitcoin robbery and kidnapping in Danbury, Connecticut.
He faces up to 20 years in prison. The plea adds another conviction to a crypto extortion case that began with the carjacking of a Lamborghini Urus and the abduction of two people whose son was linked to a large Bitcoin theft.
Victims Were Targeted for Stolen Bitcoin
The Justice Department said the victims were the parents of a person who took part in the theft of hundreds of millions of dollars in Bitcoin. Prosecutors said Faiq and others planned the robbery to obtain some of that crypto.
Danbury police arrested six Florida men on Aug. 25, 2024, after the carjacking and kidnapping. The broader investigation later brought charges against Faiq, his brother Adam Iza and James Schwab.
Faiq Recruited Participants and Watched Victims
Prosecutors said Faiq recruited participants for the planned robbery. He also traveled to Connecticut for the planned home invasion and kidnapping, coordinated with Iza and helped carry out surveillance on the victims.
The DOJ said Iza communicated with kidnappers through cellphones and encrypted messaging apps, helped direct logistics and provided funding.
Miami Clash Tied Another Suspect to Plot
Prosecutors said another alleged co-conspirator had previously clashed with the victims’ son at a Miami nightclub. That person later helped arrange transport and lodging connected to the planned robbery, according to the DOJ.
The case links the attempted Bitcoin theft to planning, surveillance and coordination across several people before the Danbury arrests.
Hobbs Act Charge Carries 20 Years
Faiq pleaded guilty to conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery, known as Hobbs Act robbery.
The charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Faiq’s sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 28. He has been detained since his arrest on Nov. 12, 2025. Iza pleaded guilty to the same offense on June 1 and is also detained while awaiting sentencing.
Six Other Defendants Have Pleaded Guilty
The DOJ said six other people charged in connection with the carjacking and kidnapping have also pleaded guilty. The case is being investigated by the FBI New Haven Violent Crimes Task Force, FBI offices in Los Angeles and St. Louis, and Danbury police.
Faiq’s sentencing is the next step in the case. Prosecutors are expected to focus on the planning, surveillance and violence behind the failed Bitcoin robbery.
