Key facts
- An Australia Post worker, Mauro Paul Coluzzi, was jailed for leading criminal syndicates.
- Coluzzi stole dozens of bank cards from secure mail to fund a gambling addiction.
- The scheme defrauded customers and banks of over $100,000 in 15 months.
- Coluzzi obtained nearly $30,000 in cash and goods, including gold jewelry and phones.
- Judge Jillian Kiely stated the theft was a significant breach of trust.
- Coluzzi will be eligible for parole in December 2027.
An Australia Post worker, Mauro Paul Coluzzi, has been sentenced to jail until December 2027 for his role in leading two criminal syndicates that stole dozens of bank cards from secure mail to fund a severe gambling addiction. Coluzzi, 57, and his co-conspirators defrauded customers and their banks of over $100,000 during a 15-month period.
Coluzzi personally obtained nearly $30,000 in cash and goods from the stolen cards, which were used to purchase items such as two 24-carat gold bracelets, phones, tablets, cigarettes, and groceries. Judge Jillian Kiely stated in Sydney's Sutherland Local Court that the theft represented a significant breach of trust, reducing community confidence in the postal service.
Coluzzi's gambling addiction, which has reportedly led to millions of dollars in losses throughout his life, began straining his marriage and prompted him to seek new funding methods in early 2024. He expressed concerns about changes to Australia Post procedures that would limit his access to cards. His barrister argued for a community sentence, but the judge deemed the offenses too serious, necessitating jail time. Coluzzi will be eligible for parole in December 2027.