A federal grand jury has returned a 32-count superseding indictment against two brothers and a former East Cleveland official, alleging a complex web of fraud, tax evasion, money laundering, and public corruption. Zubair Mehmet Abdur Razzaq Al Zubair, 42, formerly of Bratenahl, Ohio; Muzzammil Muhammad Al Zubair, 31, formerly of Pepper Pike, Ohio; and Michael Leon Smedley, 56, of Cleveland, were initially indicted on 22 counts in January 2024. The superseding indictment adds further charges.
All three defendants are charged with conspiracy to commit bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds, conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud, and Hobbs Act conspiracy.
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The Al Zubair brothers are additionally charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, 13 counts of wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy, four counts of money laundering, theft of government funds, and aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false tax return. Zubair Al Zubair faces further charges of harboring a fugitive and willful failure to file a tax return.
According to court documents, from June 2020 through August 2023, the Al Zubair brothers allegedly orchestrated multiple fraudulent schemes to obtain money and property.
These schemes included investment fraud, fraudulent acquisition of a Small Business Administration COVID-19 relief Emergency Income Disaster Loan, cryptocurrency mining ventures, and real estate transactions.
One scheme was international in scope, purporting to involve the sale of military munitions. The brothers allegedly contacted individuals in Romania, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, and New York, ostensibly to source weapons for a buyer.
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However, the indictment alleges the true intention was not to facilitate a legitimate arms deal, but rather to induce the buyer to transfer a commission to the brothers for arranging the transaction.
The Al Zubair brothers allegedly used their ill-gotten gains to acquire jewelry, luxury watches, vehicles, and over 80 firearms. Zubair Al Zubair also leased a high-end residential property in Bratenahl, Ohio, before being evicted in August 2023.
The superseding indictment alleges the brothers cultivated an image of extreme wealth and influence. Zubair Al Zubair claimed to be a member of the royal family of the United Arab Emirates through marriage. Muzzammil Al Zubair falsely presented himself as a hedge fund manager, despite lacking any formal registration or relevant education beyond watching YouTube videos.
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The brothers allegedly leveraged their fabricated personas to befriend Michael Leon Smedley, who, at the time, served as the chief of staff and executive assistant to the mayor of East Cleveland. Smedley allegedly abused his position to assist the Al Zubair brothers, navigating bureaucratic hurdles and securing favorable outcomes in exchange for various benefits. These included checks, meals at expensive restaurants, and offers of future employment.
The indictment details specific instances of Smedley’s alleged corruption, including securing official letters on city letterhead to influence administrative and judicial proceedings, arranging Zubair Al Zubair’s appointment as an International Economic Advisor to the city, obtaining city business cards for him, and even providing the brothers with City of East Cleveland Police badges.
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