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A former Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy has admitted to abusing his badge in a wide-reaching crypto corruption scheme, marking a major breakthrough for federal investigators. Michael David Coberg, 44, of Eastvale, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit extortion and conspiracy against rights after acting as muscle for a self-described “Crypto Godfather.”
According to prosecutors, Coberg was employed as a sheriff’s deputy and helicopter pilot at the time of the crimes but secretly worked with Adam Iza, a central figure in the crypto extortion ring. In exchange for $20,000 per month, Coberg used his law enforcement status to intimidate, extort, and even kidnap victims. Authorities revealed that he also conspired with Iza to launch a side business selling anabolic steroids, though his primary role was as an enforcer in the criminal operation.
One of the most disturbing incidents occurred in 2021 when Coberg kidnapped a victim to extort $127,000. During the ordeal, he identified himself as a law enforcement officer, confiscated the victim’s passport, and held him at gunpoint over two days. In another scheme, Coberg and a fellow deputy arranged for a target to be falsely arrested. They planted an accomplice in a car with drugs, then convinced another officer the target was the owner of the narcotics. The extortion victim was arrested while the “Crypto Godfather” observed nearby.
These crimes highlight the dangerous overlap between cryptocurrency’s dark underworld and corrupt law enforcement. By exploiting his badge, Coberg gave the criminal network legitimacy and leverage over its victims. Now facing up to 20 years in prison, Coberg’s guilty plea demonstrates that even those sworn to uphold the law are not immune to justice when they weaponize their authority for profit.
This case underscores the growing need for law enforcement to monitor crypto-related crimes, as digital assets continue to fuel extortion, fraud, and corruption on a global scale.
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