Seven Chilean nationals have been charged in connection with a series of burglaries targeting professional athletes' homes, including those of Kansas City Chiefs players Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. The thefts involved property worth more than $2 million, with the defendants accused of breaking into homes while the athletes were away competing in games.
The federal criminal complaint, unsealed on Tuesday, identified the defendants as members of a South American theft group. The individuals, if convicted, could face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
Authorities revealed that the burglaries, which occurred between October and December 2024, targeted athletes from the National Football League and National Basketball Association. The suspects allegedly conducted extensive surveillance, exploiting team schedules to strike on game days.
A selfie found in the documents showed four men posing with stolen luxury items, including watches and jewelry valued at approximately $1.5 million. The photo was believed to have been taken at a hotel shortly after a Milwaukee Bucks player's home was burglarized in November 2024.
Notably, two homes of Kansas City Chiefs players were also burglarized in October, coinciding with reports of Mahomes and Kelce being targeted. This incident follows a previous case where three of the suspects were named in the burglary of NFL player Joe Burrow's home.
Federal investigators have issued warnings to professional athletes about the rise of sophisticated burglaries orchestrated by organized international criminals. The FBI highlighted that these criminal groups conduct surveillance, bypass alarm systems, and use various tactics to evade detection.
The NFL, in a memo to players, cautioned about thieves exploiting team schedules and conducting surveillance through various means, such as posing as delivery personnel or joggers in neighborhoods.
These incidents underscore the need for heightened security measures and vigilance among athletes to protect their homes and valuables from such criminal activities.
