Federal investigators have disrupted a sophisticated and extensive plot to pilfer valuables from the mail, resulting in the arrest of seven individuals, including a supervisor, at the U.S. Postal Service processing and distribution center in Providence, Rhode Island. The postal center handles all incoming and outgoing mail for Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts.

Announcing the arrests on Wednesday, U.S. Attorney Zachary Cunha, accompanied by special agents from the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, revealed that the alleged conspiracy involved stealing mail and its contents for personal gain. The charged individuals are Darren Camacho, 30, Fernando Camacho, 28, Willie Estrella, 31, Ryan Lee, 43, Angel Rivera, 27, and Andre Williams, 31. All face charges of theft of mail by a postal employee and conspiracy.

The Corliss Street facility, responsible for handling approximately 3.5 million pieces of mail daily, served as the backdrop for the illicit scheme. Investigators assert that between March 2023 and February 2024, mail sorters selectively intercepted specific envelopes from the mail stream. These envelopes would then be smuggled out of the facility inside backpacks. The group would later meet to divide the stolen contents.

During holiday seasons, the suspects targeted brightly colored envelopes suspected of containing cash, checks, or gift cards. The exact total value of stolen items remains unknown, but Cunha emphasized that losses were "massive." One suspect was apprehended with a backpack packed with business envelopes filled with an estimated $1.3 million worth of checks.

"This theft operation was not an isolated incident," stated Cunha. Surveillance conducted during the investigation captured multiple members of the conspiracy engaging in the act of stealing mail on a regular basis.

The investigation into this wide-ranging conspiracy is ongoing. Cunha urged the public to provide any information that could assist with the case. While cash and gift cards are typically irrecoverable once spent, any leads or tips could aid the efforts of the authorities.

Cunha concluded by stating, "Today's charges should make clear: this kind of public corruption will not be tolerated. Postal employees who betray the trust placed in them by stealing valuables intended for safe delivery will be held accountable."

The entire news conference detailing the arrests and charges can be watched below.

[Embed video of the news conference]