A federal jury in Cleveland has convicted two brothers and a public official for orchestrating a complex fraud and bribery scheme that extended across several states and countries. The verdict follows 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, formerly of Bratenahl, Ohio; his brother Muzzammil Al Zubair, also known as Muzzammil Ibn Muhammad, 31, formerly of Pepper Pike, Ohio; and Michael Leon Smedley, 56, of Cleveland, were found guilty on charges including conspiracy to commit bribery involving programs receiving federal funds, conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud, and Hobbs Act conspiracy. The Al Zubair brothers were additionally convicted of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, multiple counts of wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy, several counts of money laundering, theft of government funds, aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false tax return. Zubair Al Zubair was also found guilty of willful failure to file tax returns.
Court documents and evidence showed that from June 2020 through August 2023 the Al Zubair brothers used various deceptive methods to defraud victims. Their activities included investment scams related to cryptocurrency mining and real estate transactions as well as fraudulent applications for Small Business Administration COVID emergency business loans.
The proceeds from these schemes enabled the brothers to purchase luxury items such as jewelry and high-end vehicles—including a Rolls Royce, Lamborghini, Porsche, Mercedes, and Range Rover—and more than 80 firearms. Among these was a custom-made gold-plated AK-47 style rifle. They also spent significant amounts on domestic and international travel using private jets to destinations like Aspen, Miami, London, Bucharest, and Madrid while staying at expensive hotels.
To enhance their credibility with victims and associates, the brothers made exaggerated claims about their wealth and connections. According to evidence presented at trial: “Zubair Al Zubair claimed to be married to a United Arab Emirates princess. His brother, Muzzammil, claimed to be a hedge fund manager even though his only education on hedge funds was the result of watching YouTube videos.” The pair befriended Smedley under these pretenses.
Smedley served as chief of staff to the mayor of East Cleveland. In this role he assisted the brothers by attempting to secure state funding for their business ventures; providing official letters on city letterhead; arranging for Zubair Al Zubair’s appointment as International Economic Advisor for East Cleveland along with corresponding business cards; and supplying them with official police badges from East Cleveland.
In exchange for his assistance Smedley received bribes from the brothers including suite tickets to Cleveland Browns games: “To reward and influence Smedley, 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 direct payments were made by the brothers to Smedley.
Sentencing is set for May 5. Each defendant faces up to 20 years in prison for each of their most serious convictions. Sentences will be determined by a federal district court judge after considering U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
The case was investigated by the FBI’s Cleveland Division along with IRS Criminal Investigation agents. Prosecution was led by Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew W. Shepherd and Joseph H. Walsh for the Northern District of Ohio.
