Seven Chilean nationals have been charged in connection with a series of high-profile burglaries targeting professional athletes across the United States. The men, aged between 23 and 38, face up to 10 years in prison if convicted. The burglaries, which began in October 2024, involved the theft of goods valued at over $2 million, primarily from the homes of NBA and NFL players.
The spree included break-ins at the residences of two Kansas City Chiefs players in October. Among those targeted were renowned NFL athletes Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes. In November, a Milwaukee Bucks basketball player's home was also broken into as part of this alarming crime wave. The items stolen were worth more than $1.5 million, including $20,000 in cash taken from one player's $6 million property.
Authorities allege that the accused individuals are members of a South American theft group. This group reportedly orchestrated the burglaries by targeting athletes who were participating in games late last year. In response to these incidents, the NFL sent a memo to its players warning them about the threat posed by "organized and skilled groups."
The memo underscored the growing concern among professional athletes regarding their safety and security. It highlighted the need for increased vigilance and precautionary measures to protect against such sophisticated criminal operations.
The series of burglaries has raised significant alarm within the sports community, prompting discussions on how to enhance security for players both at their homes and while they are traveling for games. Law enforcement agencies are actively investigating these incidents, seeking to dismantle the criminal network responsible for the crimes.
Leave a Reply