Man Charged in LA Mail Carrier Robberies
A man is facing federal charges for allegedly committing a series of armed robberies against USPS mail carriers in the Los Angeles area. The incidents prompted a federal investigation and have raised concerns about the safety of postal workers on their routes.
Andranik Naghdalyan, 28, was arrested by the Los Angeles Police Department in connection with a series of armed robberies targeting USPS mail carriers across the San Fernando Valley. The alleged spree took place between December 2025 and February 2026 in Studio City, Valley Village, and Sherman Oaks. During each of the five incidents, the suspect allegedly used a firearm to demand postal keys and electronic scanners from the mail carriers. Investigators identified a white Lexus sedan as the vehicle used in the commission of these robberies. The arrest was made on February 22, 2026, shortly after the fifth robbery occurred. The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office has filed five counts of robbery against Naghdalyan. This arrest was the result of a coordinated effort between the LAPD and the United States Postal Inspection Service. Authorities have released Naghdalyan's photograph as they believe there may be additional, unreported victims. These robberies are part of a larger, disturbing trend of increased attacks on postal workers. Since 2020, there have been over 2,000 violent attacks on letter carriers nationwide. In Los Angeles, reports of mail theft have also been on the rise, experiencing a 320% increase between 2010 and 2019. The primary targets in these robberies are often the mail carriers' "arrow keys," which are master keys that open mailboxes in entire neighborhoods. These keys are then used to commit further crimes such as mail theft, identity theft, and bank fraud. In response to the escalating violence, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service is offering rewards of up to $150,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of suspects in mail carrier robberies.
