Former USPS Worker Stole $1.6M in Tax Refunds to Fund Lavish Lifestyle

Nationwide — Hachikosela Muchimba, a former USPS employee from Washington, D.C., has been convicted for stealing nearly $1.7 million in tax refund checks over three years, using the money to fund luxury trips and strip club visits. He faces decades in federal prison when sentenced in August.

Muchimba, 44, used his position as a postal worker to steal almost 100 U.S. Treasury tax refund checks from his mail route. He altered the checks, replacing the recipient’s name with his own, and deposited them into seven bank accounts under his control. Investigators found 98 stolen checks totaling $1,697,909.52, including one deposit of $415,173.53.

According to NBC News, Muchimba spent the stolen money on a lavish lifestyle. In July 2022, he splurged $14,532.94 at the ultra-exclusive Bulgari Resort Bali, where villas with private pools and personal butlers cost over $1,300 per night. Prosecutors revealed he also spent heavily at luxury hotels and gentlemen’s clubs.

Muchimba’s scheme began unraveling in January 2023 when one victim noticed their $14,000 refund check had been cashed, but not by them. The name and address on the deposit matched Muchimba’s details, which the victim recognized from a holiday card.

Surveillance footage captured Muchimba in his USPS uniform depositing stolen checks. Bank records further confirmed the fraud. He was indicted on 20 counts, including mail theft and bank fraud. Now convicted, he awaits sentencing in August, where he could face decades in prison.