Postie's gambling fueled card theft ring

Mauro Paul Coluzzi, an Australia Post worker, led two criminal syndicates that stole dozens of bank cards from secure mail over 15 months, defrauding customers and banks of more than $100,000.

Coluzzi's personal haul from stolen cards

The 57-year-old personally obtained nearly $30,000 in cash and goods, including two 24-carat gold bracelets purchased just 12 hours before his arrest.

What the gang bought with stolen cards

The three men purchased gold jewellery, phones, tablets, perfume, scented candles, thousands of cigarettes, groceries, phone recharge cards, and Roblox gift cards.

Gambling addiction spiraled since early 2024

Coluzzi, an unblemished postal worker since 2007, began stealing cards in early 2024 to fund his debilitating gambling addiction. He told co-offenders he needed money to pay his credit card.

“I'm fucked bro, I gotta pay my credit card.”

Judge: breach of trust demands jail time

Judge Jillian Kiely found that Coluzzi's theft from secure mail was a significant breach of trust and that prison time was necessary. He was jailed until December 2027.

“[Cards] were stolen from the post which was a significant breach of trust … to safely deliver these items to customers.”

Australia Post vows tighter security measures

Australia Post said it has zero tolerance for illegal activity and worked closely with NSW Police. The organisation is reviewing systems and processes to strengthen security of its operations.