Zahran Al-Qadan, Animal Slaughter and Meat Distribution, Ohio 2020

ELYRIA, OH – Zahran Al-Qadan was sentenced to two years of probation, with the first four months under home confinement, for his role in a large-scale, illegal animal slaughtering and meat distribution operation that polluted Ohio waterways and defrauded consumers. The sentencing, handed down on July 2, 2020, is the latest development in a case that exposed a network of unlicensed activity centered around Amin Salem, the primary operator, and several accomplices.

Federal investigators uncovered evidence that from September 2014 through March 2016, Salem operated two properties in Elyria, Ohio, where over 400 lambs and goats – totaling approximately 25,000 pounds of meat – were slaughtered for both commercial sale and personal consumption. Critically, this operation occurred entirely without the necessary licenses or permits, circumventing federal inspection standards and posing significant public health risks.

The illicit slaughtering process wasn’t the only crime committed. Investigators traced the discharge of blood and other animal byproducts directly into Engle Ditch, a tributary that feeds into Beaver Creek and ultimately Lake Erie. This blatant violation of environmental regulations resulted in the contamination of local waterways. Furthermore, the illegally obtained meat was sold through several gas stations owned by Salem in the Cleveland area, effectively laundering the proceeds and concealing the source of the funds.

Financial records revealed that over $695,000 was deposited into bank accounts associated with a gas station located at 3934 West 117th Street in Cleveland, Ohio. Approximately $88,000 of that total was directly linked to the sale of the uninspected and illegally slaughtered meat. This money laundering scheme was a key component of the prosecution’s case, demonstrating a deliberate effort to conceal the criminal enterprise.

While Amin Salem received the most substantial sentence – 33 months imprisonment after pleading guilty in December 2019 – Al-Qadan’s involvement led to a lesser penalty, reflecting a potentially supporting role in the operation. Other accomplices also received sentencing: Mahmoud S. Abukhalil received 10 months of home confinement and 3 years probation, and Mohamed Salem was ordered to pay a $10,000 fine, serve 4 months of home detention, and complete 20 months of supervised release.

Key Facts

• Defendant: Zahran Al-Qadan
• Location: Elyria & Cleveland, Ohio
• Years Active: 2010 – 2016
• Crime: Illegal animal slaughter, money laundering, and water pollution.
• Estimated Meat Volume: 25,000 pounds of lamb and goat.
• Illicit Funds Laundered: Over $695,000 deposited into gas station accounts, $88,000 directly from meat sales.

Legal Ramifications

Al-Qadan and his co-conspirators violated several federal statutes, including:

• 18 U.S.C. 1957: Money Laundering
• 18 U.S.C. 1956(h): Use of interstate commerce to promote unlawful activity.
• 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(2)(A): Discharge of pollutants into navigable waters of the United States (Clean Water Act).
• 21 U.S.C. 610(c)(1)(A): Sale of adulterated or misbranded meat.
• 18 U.S.C. 2320: Slaughter of animals without inspection.

The penalties for these offenses range from significant fines to lengthy prison sentences, depending on the severity of the violations and the defendant’s role in the criminal activity. The case underscores the EPA’s commitment to prosecuting environmental crimes and ensuring the safety of the nation’s food supply.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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