Philadelphia Postal Workers Accused in Massive Treasury Check Theft Worth Over 80 Million Dollars

Federal Charges Uncover One of the Largest Check Theft Schemes in USPS History

In a sweeping investigation that has rocked Philadelphia’s postal network, two former employees of the United States Postal Service and two alleged accomplices are facing federal charges for stealing more than $80 million worth of U.S. Treasury checks. The scheme, which targeted thousands of government-issued payments, has resulted in one of the largest financial theft cases tied to the mail system in recent memory.

A Widespread Scheme From Within the Mail System

According to federal prosecutors, Tauheed Tucker, 23, and Saahir Irby, 27, were employed as mail processing clerks at the Philadelphia Processing and Distribution Center, one of the region's largest mail hubs. While working at the facility, the two are accused of illegally intercepting thousands of envelopes containing U.S. Treasury checks—many of which were likely intended for recipients awaiting tax refunds, social security payments, or other government disbursements.

The indictment outlines that rather than simply stealing checks for personal gain, Tucker and Irby allegedly collaborated with Cory Scott, 25, of Ardmore, and Alexander Telewoda, 25, of Clifton Heights, to turn the thefts into a broader money-making operation.

Selling Stolen Checks Through Telegram

Federal documents reveal that once Tucker and Irby collected the stolen checks, they passed them to Scott and Telewoda. The pair then advertised the checks for sale through Telegram, an encrypted messaging platform popular for underground trade.

Interested buyers from across the country allegedly contacted the pair, paid for the stolen checks, and received them by mail. Unaware—or willfully negligent—of their illicit origins, these buyers attempted to cash or deposit the checks, some of which were ultimately honored by banks before the fraud was detected.

Authorities said the face value of all stolen checks exceeded $80 million, while nearly $11 million was successfully cashed before the operation was disrupted.

Additional Charges and Consequences

Saahir Irby faces additional charges for a separate theft incident involving government checks, suggesting that this may not have been a one-time operation. All four men now face multiple federal charges, including:

Conspiracy to steal government funds

Theft of government property

Mail theft

Each charge carries severe penalties. If convicted, the defendants could face up to 20 years in federal prison.

The Impact of the Theft

This case highlights a significant vulnerability in the nation’s mail processing infrastructure. The stolen checks, often vital sources of income for working families, veterans, and retirees, not only represent a financial loss but also a breakdown of public trust in essential government systems.

Authorities have not released detailed information about how the thefts were discovered, but investigations into such operations typically involve coordination between the Department of Justice, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and financial institutions tracking fraudulent transactions.

A Wake-Up Call for USPS Security

This incident has raised serious concerns over internal oversight and employee screening within postal facilities. Given the sensitive nature of mail handled at distribution centers, there are renewed calls for tighter security measures, more frequent audits, and advanced tracking systems to prevent similar incidents in the future.

What Happens Next

The four accused individuals are expected to face court proceedings in the coming weeks. As investigators continue their work, more revelations may emerge about the scale and structure of the operation. Meanwhile, recipients of government checks are urged to report delays or suspicions of theft promptly and to consider secure deposit options for future payments.

This story underscores how digital platforms, insider access, and sophisticated coordination can be misused to commit large-scale financial crimes. But with swift legal action, authorities are sending a clear message that tampering with government funds—and the public’s trust—carries heavy consequences.

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