08.05.2026 17:35
A fraud network worth approximately $21 million was uncovered in the US, involving two brothers who posed as Middle Eastern princes and investment experts. The brothers, who lived a lavish lifestyle with luxury cars, private jets, and gold-plated weapons, were found to have defrauded investors through fake projects. It was also revealed that they bribed a municipal official to their side, and they were sentenced to a total of 47 years in prison.
Two brothers who introduced themselves as members of a Middle Eastern royal family in the U.S. state of Ohio were sentenced to many years in prison for a fraud network worth approximately $21 million. It was revealed that brothers Zubair and Muzzammil Al Zubair lived lavishly and defrauded people for years using fake identities.
"I'M MARRIED TO A PRINCESS" LIE
According to information disclosed in court, one of the brothers, Zubair Al Zubair, claimed to be married to a princess from the United Arab Emirates, while his brother Muzzammil presented himself as a hedge fund manager just by watching YouTube videos. The duo was reported to travel by private jets, ride in Rolls-Royce cars, and own luxury watches, numerous weapons, and gold-plated AK-47 type rifles.
$18 MILLION CRYPTO SCHEME
The prosecution stated that the brothers defrauded a Chinese investor of approximately $18 million. The duo collected money from the investor by claiming they owned an industrial complex and would start a cryptocurrency business in the area. It was also noted that Zubair's ex-girlfriend lost around $737,000.
THEY ALSO BRIBED A CITY OFFICIAL
The investigation revealed that the brothers influenced East Cleveland Mayor's Chief of Staff Michael Smedley with expensive gifts, cash, luxury dinners, cigars, Japanese wagyu beef, and VIP match tickets. According to the prosecution, in return, Smedley provided the brothers with official city letterhead, issued a police ID, and appointed Zubair as an "International Economic Advisor."
HEAVY SENTENCE FROM COURT
The federal court sentenced Zubair Al Zubair to 24 years and his brother Muzzammil Al Zubair to 23 years in prison. Michael Smedley received a sentence of over 8 years in prison. Judge Donald Nugent stated during the sentencing hearing, "You defrauded people, stole a lot of money, and brought shame to East Cleveland."