In recent months, there has been a surge in high-profile burglaries targeting the homes of elite athletes in the United States. Criminal organizations, believed to be linked to South American gangs, have stolen significant amounts of jewelry and cash from some of the biggest names in sports, including NFL stars like Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce.
These sophisticated thieves have utilized advanced tactics to execute these crimes, employing drones and signal jammers to bypass home security systems. They sometimes disguise themselves as delivery drivers or maintenance workers to gain access to gated communities. According to warnings issued by the NFL and NBA, these operations have raised grave concerns among law enforcement and sports leagues alike.
In a breakthrough, investigators across the U.S. have made several arrests related to these high-profile thefts, uncovering a trove of stolen sports memorabilia, jewelry, and art stored in facilities in New Jersey. Specifically, a group of Chilean men was apprehended in Ohio in January, charged with stealing nearly $300,000 worth of luxury items from Joe Burrow’s residence. Notably, one of the suspects was photographed wearing a sparkling necklace displaying Burrow's jersey number during interviews.
U.S. Attorney Kenneth Parker suspects that these individuals are likely part of larger South American theft rings that have been systematically targeting wealthy residences nationwide. These groups have historically pilfered luxury items such as cash, jewelry, and designer handbags, which can be easily sold on the black market. Reports have indicated that some stolen items ended up at a pawnshop in Manhattan's Diamond District.
While federal authorities have been tight-lipped about ongoing investigations, they're determining whether the series of burglaries connected to athletes are being conducted by the same crew or if various groups are coordinating efforts. The FBI notably warned in December that organized crime was increasingly targeting professional athletes.
A trend has emerged where these thieves strike on game days when players are most likely to be absent from their homes. Numerous break-ins have occurred around such times, taking advantage of players' schedules and often targeting homes in secluded, gated communities. For instance, Burrow’s home was broken into while he was in Dallas for a Monday Night Football game in December. According to a federal affidavit, the arrested suspects possessed a glass-breaking tool they purchased from Home Depot.
Further highlighting the pattern, luxury goods valued at approximately $30,000 were reported stolen from Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic's home in December. Similarly, NHL player Evgeni Malkin experienced a home invasion in January while his team was playing at home.
Players have received advisories to enhance their home security and be cautious about sharing their locations on social media to deter potential burglars. The criminal networks are particularly focused on stealing valuables that can reap high rewards in underground markets. Two men recently indicted in New York City were implicated in a scheme involving the purchase and resale of stolen luxury items.
As investigations continue, one judge remarked on the situation, denying bail for the accused pawnshop owners, deeming it ironic to release them just before the Super Bowl—a significant event in the sports world. With ongoing arrests and heightened scrutiny, the elaborate thefts targeting athletes' homes reveal a concerning trend that poses a danger to the wealthy elite in the sports industry.
