Postal Worker Convicted for Stealing and Forging $1.7 Million in Checks

Hachikosela Muchimba, a postal worker, was convicted of stealing and forging nearly $1.7 million in checks. He used stolen checks to fund a lavish lifestyle while falsely obtaining U.S. citizenship. Muchimba faces sentencing on August 8 after being found guilty of multiple fraud-related charges.

A postal worker, Hachikosela Muchimba, has been convicted of stealing and forging checks amounting to nearly $1.7 million. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia announced the verdict on March 14. The 44-year-old attempted to flee to Zambia after rejecting a plea deal, but was apprehended at an airport with $2,000 in cash.

The investigation began when a customer on Muchimba’s mail route noted that a U.S. Treasury check intended for him had been stolen and deposited fraudulently in Muchimba’s name. This led to the discovery of a scheme starting in 2021, where Muchimba, with assistance from a co-worker, stole checks, forged them, and deposited them into multiple bank accounts he owned. A significant portion of the stolen checks were U.S. Treasury checks, including one for $415,173.53.

Surveillance footage captured Muchimba withdrawing cash from ATMs in his USPS uniform. He utilized the stolen funds to support a luxurious lifestyle, which included lavish travels and high-end accommodations. He reportedly spent over $14,000 at the Bvlgari Resort in Bali and compensated a co-conspirator with $1,000 for assistance in the scheme.

In September 2021, while actively participating in the illegal activities, Muchimba applied for U.S. citizenship, falsely affirming on the application that he had not been involved in any crimes. He was granted citizenship in May 2022, having accrued more than $450,000 from the fraudulent scheme at that time.

Muchimba was ultimately convicted on several charges, including conspiracy to commit theft of mail and bank fraud. He faces sentencing on August 8, as announced by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Hachikosela Muchimba’s conviction highlights a serious case of mail theft and fraud. His actions included the large-scale theft and forgery of checks, alongside deceptive practices to secure U.S. citizenship while committing these crimes. The substantial financial gains resulting from his illegal activities and the ultimate consequences he faces serve as a reminder of the severity of such offenses.

Original Source: www.miamiherald.com