Australian Postal Worker Charged Over $1.4 Million Bank Card Fraud in Sydney

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A Sydney postal worker is facing a lengthy list of charges after being accused of involvement in a multimillion-dollar bank card fraud scheme. The 56-year-old man, employed by Australia Post, is alleged to have stolen mail containing bank cards and passed them on to organized crime groups, enabling fraudulent transactions that authorities estimate reached around $1.4 million.

The operation allegedly targeted suburbs in Sydney’s east, including Edgecliff, Woollahra and Double Bay. Police allege the stolen bank cards were used to access funds and make purchases, with the proceeds funnelled back to the group. According to the NSW Financial Crimes Squad, the scheme involved systematic theft and fraud over a prolonged period, with the postal worker accused of being a key link between the postal service and the criminal network.

Strike Force Rubi, established to investigate the matter, conducted several coordinated raids across Sydney. Officers executed five search warrants in the suburbs, including Rockdale and Roselands, seizing more than $14,000 in cash, dozens of stolen bank cards, electronic devices and luxury goods such as watches, handbags and jewellery. These items are believed to be connected to the alleged fraud.

The postal worker has been charged with 143 offences, including obtaining a financial advantage by deception, mail tampering, and participating in a criminal group. Police also arrested two other men as part of the same investigation.

One of the co-accused, a 35-year-old, faces charges of fraud, drug possession, possession of stolen mail, and involvement in a criminal group. A third man, aged 27, has been charged with offences including deception and failing to comply with an order to provide access to digital evidence.

All three men have been refused bail. The postal worker and the 35-year-old appeared at Sutherland Local Court, while the 27-year-old faced Bankstown Local Court. Court documents indicate that further charges may be laid as police continue to examine the seized material and trace financial transactions linked to the alleged offences.

Detectives believe this case highlights the risks associated with insider access to sensitive systems like the postal network. They stressed that individuals entrusted with public roles must be held accountable for their actions, and that community vigilance remains essential to deter similar crimes.

The investigation is ongoing, with police suggesting more arrests could follow. Australia Post has not commented in detail on the case but confirmed it is assisting authorities.

This incident underscores the growing complexity of financial crimes and the need for tighter security in mail handling and delivery services.