A Western Australian postal worker is scheduled to appear at Perth Magistrates Court today (10 July, 2026) charged with two counts of tampering with mail.
The AFP started investigating after receiving a report from Australia Post in relation to the suspected theft of packages in Western Australia.
Following a review of CCTV footage, the comparison of package losses with employee shift patterns and further inquiries, the AFP arrested a 57-year-old mail sorter from Armadale.
It will be alleged that during his overnight shift across 2 and 3 June, 2026, the man allegedly removed and tampered with packages from mail bags.
During a subsequent search of a home and car at Armadale, the AFP seized $34,000 cash.
The man was charged with two counts of tampering with mail receptacles, contrary to section 471.7(1) of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth).
Each count carries a maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment.
Investigations into further suspected stolen and tampered packages are ongoing.
AFP Detective Acting Inspector David Blockley said law enforcement took allegations of people using a trusted position for personal gain seriously.
"The AFP works closely with businesses to ensure trusted insiders suspected of abusing their position are brought to justice to ensure public confidence in the Australian postal system," Det a/Insp Blockley said.
"Tampering with the Australian postal system is a serious offence which carries substantial penalties."
