A federal jury in Cleveland has convicted two brothers and a public official for their involvement in a complex fraud and bribery scheme that operated across several states and countries.
Following a trial lasting more than two weeks before U.S. District Judge Donald C. Nugent, Zubair Al Zubair (also known as Zubair Mehmet Abdur Razzaq), 42, of Bratenahl, Ohio; his brother Muzzammil Al Zubair (also known as Muzzammil Ibn Muhammad), 31, of Pepper Pike, Ohio; and Michael Leon Smedley, 56, of Cleveland, were found guilty on multiple charges. These included conspiracy to commit bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds, conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud, and Hobbs Act conspiracy. The Al Zubair brothers were also convicted of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, several counts of wire fraud and money laundering, theft of government funds, aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns, and other related offenses. Additionally, Zubair Al Zubair was found guilty of willful failure to file tax returns.
Evidence presented during the trial showed that from June 2020 through August 2023, the Al Zubair brothers engaged in various fraudulent activities to obtain money and property from victims. Their methods included investment scams involving cryptocurrency mining ventures and real estate transactions as well as obtaining a fraudulent Small Business Administration COVID emergency business loan.
Prosecutors detailed how the proceeds from these schemes enabled the brothers to purchase luxury items such as jewelry, high-end watches and vehicles—including brands like Rolls Royce, Lamborghini, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz and Range Rover—and over 80 firearms including a custom gold-plated AK-47 style rifle. They also traveled domestically and internationally using private jets while staying at expensive hotels in cities such as Aspen, Miami, London, Bucharest and Madrid.
The court heard that both brothers exaggerated their wealth and connections: Zubair claimed marriage to a United Arab Emirates princess while Muzzammil purported to be a hedge fund manager despite only having watched instructional videos online about hedge funds.
Their association with Michael Smedley began when they befriended him under these pretenses. At the time Smedley served as chief of staff to the mayor of East Cleveland. According to evidence at trial:
“To reward and influence Smedley,” prosecutors said “the Al Zubair brothers bribed him with suite tickets to Cleveland Browns games, cigars, prized Japanese wagyu beef, and meals at high-end restaurants as well as offers of future employment.” Evidence also indicated that payments were made directly to Smedley.
In exchange for these benefits Smedley attempted to secure state funding for the brothers’ business interests; provided them with official city letters; arranged for Zubair Al Zubair’s appointment as International Economic Advisor for East Cleveland along with business cards; and supplied police badges issued by the city.
Sentencing is set for May 5. Each defendant faces up to 20 years in prison for their most serious convictions. Sentences will be determined by a federal district court judge after consideration of sentencing guidelines and statutory factors.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI Cleveland Division alongside IRS–Criminal Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew W. Shepherd and Joseph H. Walsh prosecuted the case for the Northern District of Ohio.
