A group of seven Chilean nationals has been charged over a series of burglaries targeting professional athletes across the United States, with goods worth over $2 million stolen from homes belonging to NBA and NFL players. The break-ins began in October 2024, with Kansas City Chiefs stars Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes being among those targeted while competing in games.
The men, aged between 23 and 38, are alleged members of a South American theft group that used social media and public records to track the athletes’ whereabouts. The victims include players from the Milwaukee Bucks and Cincinnati Bengals, with four defendants pleading not guilty to initial charges.
According to officials, Kelce’s home was burgled on October 7 while he was starting a game against the New Orleans Saints, with $20,000 in cash stolen from his $6 million home. Mahomes’ residence was also targeted on October 5, police said at the time. The Milwaukee Bucks player whose home was burgled reported a burglary in November, with over $1.5 million worth of items stolen.
Security experts say that athletes are vulnerable to burglaries due to their valuable possessions and public schedules. The NFL has warned players about the crimes, stating that groups were tracking them on social media and through public records. This is an international issue, with top Premier League footballers also being targeted in recent years.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c07ze242rj5o