Ex-Postal Worker Convicted in $1.7 Million Mail Theft and Bank Fraud Scheme
A former U.S. Postal Service (USPS) employee, Hachikosela Muchimba, has been convicted of orchestrating a massive $1.7 million mail theft and bank fraud scheme, in addition to falsifying his citizenship application.
Muchimba, 44, a former letter carrier at the Friendship Post Office in Washington, D.C., stole nearly 100 checks—primarily from the U.S. Treasury—altering payee names and forging endorsements to funnel the funds into seven bank accounts under his control.
Luxury Lifestyle Funded by Fraud
According to the Department of Justice, Muchimba used the stolen funds to finance a lavish lifestyle, splurging on:
- International travel
- Luxury hotels
- Expensive purchases at gentlemen’s clubs
His audacity knew no bounds—surveillance footage captured him conducting fraudulent transactions while still wearing his USPS uniform.
Attempted Escape and False Citizenship Application
While under investigation, Muchimba applied for U.S. naturalization and lied to immigration officers, falsely stating that he had not committed any crimes.
Authorities arrested him in September 2023 at Dulles International Airport, where he was caught carrying:
✔️ $2,000 in cash
✔️ A Zambian passport
✔️ A one-way ticket to Zambia
Clearly, he had no intention of facing justice in the United States.
Conviction and Possible Sentencing
A jury found Muchimba guilty on multiple charges, including:
- Conspiracy to commit mail theft and bank fraud
- Mail theft
- Bank fraud
- Engaging in financial transactions with illicit proceeds
- Falsifying information on his naturalization application
He now faces up to 30 years in prison for bank fraud, five years for mail theft, and 10 years for falsifying his naturalization application. His sentencing is set for August 8, 2025, before U.S. District Court Judge Rudolph Contreras.
“A Betrayal of Public Trust”
U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr. slammed Muchimba’s crimes as a shocking abuse of his position:
“Muchimba’s scheme was a clear betrayal of public trust. Instead of upholding the duties of his role, he exploited his access to sensitive mail for personal gain, defrauding both the U.S. government and private citizens.”
His conviction serves as a stark warning against corruption and fraud within federal agencies, reinforcing the commitment of law enforcement to hold public employees accountable for violating the law and public trust.
