By Ethan Faverino |

Three members of a Phoenix family have pleaded guilty in connection with a years-long scheme to fraudulently obtain nearly $2.2 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds, according to the U.S Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona.

Mohammed Maio, 43, of Phoenix pleaded guilty in July to conspiracy to commit wire and bank fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

His parents, Souzan El-Sayed, 66, and Abukar Maio, 70, also of Phoenix pleaded guilty on July 24 to conspiracy to commit wire and bank fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

Mohammed Maio is scheduled to be sentenced on September 28, 2026, before U.S. District Judge Michael T. Liburdi.

El-Sayed and Abukar Maio are scheduled for sentencing on October 5, 2026, before the same judge.

According to a press release, the three family members conspired between May 2020 and March 2024 to fraudulently obtain and misuse loans issued through the federal Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loan programs, both which were established to provide financial relief to businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prosecutors said the family submitted false information to secure nearly $2.2 million on loans for multiple businesses that had no employees. Rather than using the funds for legitimate business purposes the defendants admitted they used the money for personal gain, including the purchase of multiple properties.

In addition to the fraud charges, Mohammad Maio admitted to illegally obtaining a firearm despite being a convicted felon. He pleaded guilty to a felon in possession of a firearm and aiding another in making a materially false statement to purchase a firearm.

According to his plea agreement, he arranged for this mother to purchase the firearm on his behalf in May 2021. He admitted the he directed her to falsely certify on the federal firearms transaction record that the gun was being purchased for her own use when it was actually intended for him. He later unlawfully possessed the firearm.

The conspiracy to commit wire and bank fraud charge carries a maximum sentence for 30 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $1 million.

The conspiracy to commit money laundering charge carries a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $500,000 fine.

The felon in possession of a firearm charge is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, while making a false statement during the purchase of a firearms carries a maximum sentence of five years and a $250,000 fine.

Actual sentences will be determined by the court.

Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.