June 10th, 2026 Local News
Hartford, Ct. (KFMO) - A St. Louis man has pleaded guilty in federal court for his role in a kidnapping and robbery conspiracy aimed at stealing Bitcoin connected to a theft worth hundreds of millions of dollars.
According to U.S. Attorney David X. Sullivan, 22-year-old Saif Faiq of St. Louis pleaded guilty Monday in Hartford federal court to conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery, commonly known as Hobbs Act Robbery.
Federal prosecutors say the case stems from a violent kidnapping that occurred in Danbury, Connecticut, on August 25, 2024. On that day, Danbury Police arrested six Florida men accused of carrying out a carjacking involving a Lamborghini Urus and kidnapping two occupants of the vehicle.
The investigation determined the victims were the parents of an individual who had participated in the theft of hundreds of millions of dollars in Bitcoin. Authorities allege Faiq and others planned the robbery and kidnapping in an effort to gain access to some of the stolen cryptocurrency.
According to court documents, one of Faiq's alleged co-conspirators had previously been involved in an altercation with the victims' son at a Miami nightclub in July 2024. Prosecutors say that individual remained in contact with kidnappers, provided financial support for the operation, and helped arrange transportation and lodging.
Investigators also allege that Faiq's brother, Adam Iza, communicated with kidnappers through cellphones and encrypted messaging applications, directed logistics for the scheme, and provided funding.
Prosecutors say Faiq recruited participants for the crime, traveled to Connecticut for the planned home invasion and kidnapping, coordinated activities with Iza, and helped conduct surveillance on the victims before the crime occurred.
Faiq faces a maximum prison sentence of 20 years. He has remained in federal custody since his arrest on November 12, 2025. Sentencing is scheduled for August 28.
Authorities noted that Iza pleaded guilty to the same charge on June 1, 2026, and remains detained pending sentencing. Six other individuals charged in connection with the carjacking and kidnapping have also pleaded guilty.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI New Haven Violent Crimes Task Force, FBI Los Angeles, FBI St. Louis, and the Danbury Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karen L. Peck and Daniel George.