A former U.S. Postal Service employee in Washington, D.C., orchestrated an elaborate scheme to steal checks from the mail while working as a federal employee.
According to Fox News, Hachikosela Muchimba, 44, was convicted by a federal jury for stealing approximately $1.6 million in checks from the U.S. mail system and using the funds to finance an extravagant lifestyle that included international travel, luxury hotel stays, and visits to gentlemen's clubs.
The criminal operation spanned over two years, from December 2020 to March 2023, during which Muchimba systematically intercepted both U.S. Treasury checks and private party checks from the mail. He then proceeded to alter and falsely endorse these checks before depositing them into multiple bank accounts under his control.
Sophisticated fraud operation revealed through surveillance
Bank surveillance footage played a crucial role in building the case against Muchimba. The Justice Department presented evidence showing the former postal worker making numerous deposits and withdrawals of the stolen funds.
The federal jury found Muchimba guilty on multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit theft of mail and bank fraud, theft of mail, bank fraud, and engaging in monetary transactions derived from unlawful activity. The severity of his crimes carries substantial penalties, with the bank fraud charge alone carrying a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison.
Prosecutors successfully demonstrated how Muchimba used his position within the postal service to execute his fraudulent scheme. The investigation revealed a pattern of systematic theft and fraudulent deposits that allowed him to accumulate significant wealth through illegal means.
Immigration status complications emerge
During the investigation, authorities uncovered additional criminal behavior related to Muchimba's immigration status. He was found guilty of unlawfully procuring naturalization by providing false information to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officers.
When applying for U.S. citizenship, Muchimba deliberately concealed his ongoing criminal activities. He falsely stated that he had not committed any crimes for which he had not been arrested, adding another layer of deception to his actions.
The conviction on immigration fraud carries serious consequences. Muchimba faces up to ten years of incarceration and the possibility of administrative denaturalization, which could strip him of his U.S. citizenship.
Failed escape attempt leads to arrest
Law enforcement apprehended Muchimba in September 2023 as he attempted to flee the country. According to court documents, he was trying to escape to Zambia when authorities intercepted him.
The timing of his attempted departure suggests Muchimba was aware that investigators were closing in on his fraudulent operations. His flight attempt added another compelling piece of evidence supporting the prosecution's case.
The arrest marked the end of a lengthy investigation that involved multiple federal agencies working together to uncover the full scope of Muchimba's criminal enterprise.
Criminal saga nears conclusion
Hachikosela Muchimba, a former USPS worker in Washington, D.C., awaits sentencing on August 8 after being convicted of stealing $1.6 million through an elaborate check theft scheme that funded his lavish lifestyle. His criminal enterprise involved stealing both government and private checks from the mail system, altering them, and depositing them into his personal accounts over a two-year period.
The case culminated in multiple convictions, including mail theft, bank fraud, and immigration fraud charges, with Muchimba facing up to 30 years in prison for the bank fraud charge alone. His attempt to flee to Zambia in September 2023 was thwarted by law enforcement, bringing an end to his criminal activities and setting the stage for potential denaturalization proceedings due to his fraudulent citizenship application.
