Two Brothers and Public Official Convicted in Elaborate Fraud and Bribery Scheme

Jury finds Al Zubair brothers and East Cleveland official guilty of conspiracy, wire fraud, money laundering, and more

Feb. 2, 2026 at 7:23pm

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A federal jury has convicted two brothers, Zubair Al Zubair and Muzzammil Al Zubair, along with their associate Michael Leon Smedley, a public official in East Cleveland, for their roles in an elaborate fraud and bribery scheme spanning multiple states and countries. The brothers used various deceptive tactics to obtain money and property from victims, including investment fraud, a fraudulent COVID-19 business loan, and real estate transactions. They used the ill-gotten proceeds to acquire luxury items such as jewelry, vehicles, and firearms. Smedley, the chief of staff to the East Cleveland mayor, used his position to benefit the brothers in exchange for bribes.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing problem of public corruption and the need for stronger oversight and accountability measures to prevent government officials from abusing their positions for personal gain. The Al Zubair brothers' elaborate schemes also demonstrate the importance of consumer awareness and vigilance when it comes to investment opportunities and financial transactions.

The details

According to court documents, from June 2020 through August 2023, the Al Zubair brothers used various deceptive strategies to obtain money and property from victims. Their schemes involved investment fraud, a fraudulent Small Business Administration COVID emergency business loan, cryptocurrency mining investments, and commercial and residential real estate transactions. The brothers used the ill-gotten proceeds to acquire a trove of luxury items, including jewelry, timepieces, vehicles, and more than 80 firearms. They also engaged in lavish domestic and international travel, using private jets and staying at high-end hotels.

  • The conspiracy took place from June 2020 through August 2023.
  • The brothers were convicted by a federal jury on February 3, 2026.
  • Sentencing is scheduled for May 5, 2026.

The players

Zubair Al Zubair

Also known as Zubair Mehmet Abdur Razzaq, a 42-year-old resident of Bratenahl, Ohio, who was convicted of conspiracy to commit bribery, conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud, Hobbs Act conspiracy, 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, and willful failure to file tax returns.

Muzzammil Al Zubair

Also known as Muzzammil Ibn Muhammad, a 31-year-old resident of Pepper Pike, Ohio, and the brother of Zubair Al Zubair, who was convicted of conspiracy to commit bribery, conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud, Hobbs Act conspiracy, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, multiple counts of wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy, and several counts of money laundering.

Michael Leon Smedley

A 56-year-old resident of Cleveland, Ohio, and the chief of staff to the mayor of East Cleveland, who was convicted of conspiracy to commit bribery, conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud, and Hobbs Act conspiracy for using his position to benefit the Al Zubair brothers in exchange for bribes.

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What’s next

Sentencing for the three convicted individuals is scheduled for May 5, 2026.

The takeaway

This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of transparency and integrity in government, as well as the need for vigilance from the public when it comes to investment opportunities and financial transactions. The elaborate schemes perpetrated by the Al Zubair brothers and their associate underscore the significant harm that can result from public corruption and fraud.