Post Office Manager in Rio Arrested for Stealing Customer-Ordered Cell Phones

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The Curicica Post Office manager, in the West Zone of Rio de Janeiro, was arrested last Saturday, September 14th, trying to steal Xiaomi, Samsung and Motorola cell phones, besides an iPad and other orders from customers. According to the Federal Police, he diverted over 200 devices, worth a total of R$400,000 (US$100,000).

The arrest occurred at the agency’s front door: the manager was carrying a backpack with clothes, cell phones, and other electronics. In the photo released by the Federal Police, a Samsung Galaxy A30, Galaxy A50, Xiaomi Redmi 7A, Moto G7 Play Special Edition, Amazon TV Fire Stick, Apple iPad and a box from PagSeguro can be seen.

The action was carried out by the Police Department for the Repression of Crimes against Property (DELEPAT) of the Federal Police. Thefts occurred mainly on Saturdays when the agency has fewer employees on-site; there are no surveillance cameras.

In total, the police estimate that the manager has stolen more than 200 objects, resulting in losses of approximately R$400,000.

In a statement to the newspaper O Dia, the Post Office said they are cooperating with authorities: “In fact, this action was made possible after an internal investigation, which provided the police with the means to ensure the success of the operation”.

A disciplinary administrative proceeding was initiated “for the appropriate measures,” according to the state-owned company. It further states that the manager’s conduct is unacceptable, and is dissociated from the company’s values and standards.

Scheme diverted parcels from the Post Office in Paraíba

In July of this year, the Federal Police dismantled a scheme of misappropriation of parcels from the Post Office in Paraíba. Cell phones bought over the Internet were stolen before reaching the recipient; then, they were sold in the region’s illegal market.

According to the investigation, a Post Office employee in Araruna (PB) provided access to the parcels, and another person was in charge of selling them. The police found hundreds of diverted packages but did not provide an estimated loss. The Federal Police has served search and seizure warrants; suspects will be held accountable for the crime of embezzlement.