A Lamborghini Urus, like the one pictured here, is central to a wild 2024 kidnapping and carjacking. Three men have been charged with pulling the strings in the plot after six others confessed to the crimes.

By Josh Lanier From Daily Voice

Federal prosecutors say three men helped plan a violent kidnapping in Danbury that shook a quiet neighborhood and tied local families to a sprawling crime linked to stolen cryptocurrency.

James Schwab, Adam Iza, and Saif Faiq were charged this week with conspiracy to commit kidnapping and conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery, the US Attorney for Connecticut said. The case stands out in Danbury because investigators say the victims were the parents of a man suspected of stealing hundreds of millions of dollars in cryptocurrency.

Police say the kidnapping happened in August 2024 after a Lamborghini Urus was taken during a violent carjacking. Officers arrested six Florida men that same day. All six have since pleaded guilty.

Federal officials say Schwab, Iza, and Faiq helped drive the plan. 

Court documents say Schwab stayed in close contact with some of the kidnappers. He helped fund the operation and set up travel and lodging. Investigators say Iza handled communication, used encrypted apps, and handled logistics. They say he also provided funding. Faiq is accused of recruiting people, traveling to Connecticut for the planned attack, working with Iza, and helping with surveillance of the victims.

Schwab was released on a $1.5 million secured bond. Faiq is detained as he waits for arraignment in Connecticut. Iza has been held since he was charged in another case in California, federal authorities said. 

The charges carry heavy penalties. Conspiracy to commit kidnapping can mean life in prison. Conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery can bring up to 20 years, federal officials said.