Phoenix family pleads guilty to role in $2.2 million COVID-19 fraud scheme and firearms charges (DOJ)

PHOENIX, Ariz. - Mohammed Maio, 43, of Phoenix, Arizona, pleaded guilty earlier this month to Conspiracy to Commit Wire and Bank Fraud and Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering. Mohammed Maio also pleaded guilty in a second matter to Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and Aiding Another in Making a Materially False Statement to Purchase a Firearm. His sentencings in both matters are scheduled for Sept. 28, 2026, before United States District Judge Michael T. Liburdi.

In addition, Mohammed Maio's parents, Souzan El-Sayed, 66, and Abukar Maio, 70, also of Phoenix, pleaded guilty on July 24, 2026, to Conspiracy to Commit Wire and Bank Fraud and Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering. Their sentencings are scheduled for Oct. 5, 2026, also before Judge Liburdi.

Between May 2020 and March 2024, the three family members conspired with each other to fraudulently obtain and misuse multiple Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loan relief loans. They submitted false information to secure nearly $2.2 million in loans for multiple businesses that had no employees. The funds were instead used for personal enrichment, including the purchase of multiple properties.

According to his plea, Mohammed Maio, a convicted felon, also arranged for his mother to purchase a firearm on his behalf in May 2021. Mohammed Maio admitted that he caused his mother to falsely state on the application to purchase the firearm that it was for her use, rather than his, and that he later illegally possessed the firearm she purchased.

A conviction for Conspiracy to Commit Wire and Bank Fraud carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. A conviction for Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $500,000 fine. A conviction for Felon in Possession carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. A conviction for Making a False Statement During the Purchase of a Firearm carries a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin M. Rapp District of Arizona, Phoenix, is handling the prosecution.

On April 7, 2026, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division ("Fraud Division"). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department's work to combat fraud supports President Trump's Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

CASE NUMBER: CR-25-00766; CR-26-00488
RELEASE NUMBER: 2026-127_Maio

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