An alarming string of burglaries targeting the homes of NFL and NBA players has prompted an FBI investigation into a potential transnational crime ring, possibly linked to South America.
High-profile athletes such as Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs and Bobby Portis of the Milwaukee Bucks were robbed while away for games, with thieves reportedly tracking their schedules via social media and public records.
Security experts note the sophistication of the crimes, involving surveillance by individuals posing as joggers or workers and gaining access through side doors or windows.
The NFL has issued a memo warning players about the threat, describing the perpetrators as “organized and skilled.”
While the involvement of an international syndicate is being considered, some experts believe local criminals may be responsible, exploiting the athletes’ predictable absences.
Former FBI agents suggest that the high-value homes and public schedules of these players make them easy targets, and the investigation’s scope points to a potentially larger operation.
However, law enforcement remains optimistic about solving the case, having already recovered stolen items, including a watch taken from Kelce’s home. Officials caution that the case’s resolution may hinge on unravelling key evidence tied to stolen goods.
