Postal Worker Convicted of $1.7 Million Mail Theft and Forgery Scheme
Hachikosela Muchimba, a postal worker, was convicted of stealing and forging $1.7 million worth of checks. He attempted to flee the country and unlawfully obtained U.S. citizenship while committing the crimes. Muchimba faces multiple charges, including mail theft and bank fraud, with sentencing scheduled for August 8, 2023.
Hachikosela Muchimba, a 44-year-old postal worker, was convicted of stealing and forging nearly $1.7 million in checks from the mail, according to federal prosecutors. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia announced the verdict on March 14, highlighting a series of fraud and mail theft charges against him. Instead of accepting a plea deal, Muchimba attempted to flee to Zambia but was apprehended at an airport with $2,000 in cash.
Investigations began when a customer in Washington, D.C. discovered that a U.S. Treasury check intended for him had been stolen and cashed in Muchimba’s name. Prosecutors revealed that Muchimba had been involved in this scheme since 2021, aided by a co-worker, stealing checks from his mail route, forging them, and depositing them into various bank accounts under his control.
Out of the 98 stolen checks, 90 were U.S. Treasury checks, with many individual checks valued in the tens of thousands of dollars. Notably, Muchimba deposited one U.S. Treasury check totaling $415,173.53. Surveillance footage showed him withdrawing the fraudulent funds from ATMs while in his USPS uniform.
According to prosecutors, Muchimba funded an extravagant lifestyle with the stolen proceeds, which included expensive travels, luxury hotel stays, and extravagant spending at gentlemen’s clubs. He reportedly spent over $14,000 at Bvlgari Resort Bali and paid his co-conspirator $1,000 for assistance in stealing a check.
In 2021, while involved in this criminal activity, Muchimba initiated his application for U.S. citizenship. He falsely stated on his application that he had never been involved in a crime or misled government authorities. He ultimately became a U.S. citizen in May 2022, having unlawfully acquired over $450,000 from the fraudulent scheme by that time.
Muchimba was charged with a variety of offenses, including conspiracy to commit theft of mail and bank fraud, as well as unlawfully procuring citizenship. He is scheduled for sentencing on August 8.
Hachikosela Muchimba’s conviction underscores the severe consequences of fraud and deception, particularly for those in public service positions. His actions not only resulted in financial harm but also led to his unlawful acquisition of U.S. citizenship. Muchimba’s extravagant spending exemplifies the misuse of stolen funds, with substantial legal repercussions awaiting him at sentencing.
Original Source: www.miamiherald.com
