The FBI has issued a warning to sports leagues regarding crime organizations targeting professional athletes, following a series of burglaries at the homes of prominent NFL and NBA players. According to a Liaison Information Report obtained by ABC News, the athletes' homes are being targeted due to the belief that they may contain high-end goods such as designer handbags, jewelry, watches, and cash.
Both the NFL and NBA have already sent out security alerts to their players in response to the break-ins, some of which occurred while players were away with their teams for road games. The NFL's alert highlights that homes of professional athletes across various sports have been increasingly singled out for burglaries by organized and skilled groups.
One of the latest victims of this trend is Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks, whose home was recently burglarized. The star guard's business manager confirmed the break-in, stating that it occurred while nobody was home and a police report was filed.
Notable NFL players such as Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, and Travis Kelce, along with NBA players Bobby Portis and Mike Conley Jr., have also fallen prey to these organized theft groups. The FBI report reveals that these groups from South America utilize publicly available information and social media to monitor athletes' routines and movements.
These criminal groups employ sophisticated technology to bypass alarm systems, disrupt wireless internet connections, disable devices, obscure security cameras, and conceal their identities. Athletes are being advised to report any suspicious activities, maintain records of their valuables and their storage locations, enhance security measures, and exercise caution on social media platforms.
The FBI further recommends that athletes refrain from posting images of their valuables, the interiors of their homes, and real-time updates while on vacation to minimize the risk of being targeted by these criminal organizations.
