Australia Post contractor jailed for stealing jewellery, gift cards from mail

An investigation was launched in May 2023 after police were told the man was suspected of tampering with Australia Post packages.

His Bexley, Sydney home was searched and police found an estimated $138,000 worth of alcohol, luxury watches worth $124,000, $52,000 in gift cards and $43,000 worth of jewellery.

Investigators also found $39,000 in cash that was made from the sale of tobacco taken from mail packages.

The items were stolen from the mail between November 2021 and May 2023, police said.

"This was an opportunistic attempt to use a trusted position within Australia's mail delivery system to profit, with no regard to its impact on the community," Australian Federal Police (AFP) Acting Superintendent Stuart Millen said.

"People with trusted access are critical to the successful operation of Australia's trade sectors, but the AFP will not hesitate to investigate and prosecute those who abuse this trust," he said.

"The AFP works closely with Australia Post to ensure trusted insiders abusing their position for criminal endeavours are dealt with swiftly to ensure public confidence in the Australian postal system."

Police said 24 grams of methamphetamine, 17.8 grams of ketamine and small quantities of cocaine, MDMA and cannabis were seized from the man's home.

The 43-year-old man pleaded guilty to dishonestly appropriating an article in the course of post, possession of a controlled drug and dealing with money that was, and that was believed to be, the proceeds of an indictable crime.

He was sentenced to two years and three months imprisonment for the crimes on February 11 but may be released after serving 15 months.