Two Albany residents, Iziah Cox, 37, and Kaya Cox, 41, were arrested on charges of conspiracy to make false statements to financial institutions as part of a federal investigation known as Operation Tidal Wave. The operation involved searches at more than 15 locations and led to the seizure of 134 firearms from residences in Albany and Troy, as well as storage units in Menands. Iziah Cox faces an additional charge for unlawfully possessing a firearm as a felon.
According to the criminal complaint, the brothers allegedly ran a scheme in spring 2025 using dozens of New York State business entities and Albany County “Doing Business As” (DBA) names. They are accused of misappropriating legitimate company names with which they had no relationship to open numerous bank accounts. These accounts reportedly received wire transfers and checks connected to domestic and international scams targeting real businesses.
Investigators found many of the seized firearms hidden inside stereo equipment during court-authorized searches. The authorities described this seizure as one of the largest in the history of the Northern District of New York.
Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III said: “This is one of the largest firearms seizures, if not the largest firearms seizure, in the history of the Northern District of New York. The number of firearms is significant, but more important are the many lives saved as a result of Operation Tidal Wave now that these guns cannot be used to kill and maim people. Albany and Troy are much safer today than they were last week. This is what happens when federal, state and local law enforcement work together, which has been one of my top priorities since taking office five months ago.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli stated: “This seizure, one of the largest ever recorded in our district, is the direct result of the tremendous partnerships displayed throughout Operation Tidal Wave. These guns will never make it into the hands of dangerous criminals looking to wreak havoc in our communities. The FBI is grateful to our partners for standing shoulder to shoulder with us in our shared goal of keeping our communities safe.”
Both defendants face up to five years in prison on conspiracy charges, fines up to $250,000 each, and supervised release terms up to three years if convicted. Iziah Cox could face an additional maximum sentence of 15 years for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
Following their initial appearances earlier this week before United States Magistrate Judge Paul J. Evangelista in Albany federal court, both men were ordered detained pending trial.
Albany Police Chief Brendan Cox commented: “Operation Tidal Wave represents our ongoing efforts to reduce gun violence. By seizing this large amount of illegal firearms, we have directly prevented these weapons from being used to harm our community. Each firearm removed from our streets is one less threat to our neighborhoods. The Albany Police Department is grateful for our partnerships we have with our federal, state and local agencies. Together, we are committed to protecting the public and holding offenders accountable.”
Troy Police Chief Daniel DeWolf added: “I’m thrilled and proud we took this many guns off the street, and also of the collaboration that led to these historic seizures. We are all working together to achieve our collective mission of reducing violent crime.”
The investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s Albany Regional Financial Crimes Taskforce with support from several agencies including Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation; United States Postal Inspection Service; New York State Comptroller’s Office; Albany County Sheriff’s Office; Albany Police Department; Troy Police Department; New York State Police; Capital Region Crime Analysis Center; and New York State Intelligence Center. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua R. Rosenthal, Matthew M. Paulbeck, and Benjamin S. Clark are prosecuting.
