In a jaw-dropping revelation, a federal indictment unsealed in Florida has exposed a South American crime ring responsible for a shocking series of high-profile burglaries targeting professional athletes across the U.S. Seven suspects now face federal charges for their role in these tragic break-ins, including the burglaries of NFL stars Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Joe Burrow.
According to the news, these criminals strategically timed their heists, striking while athletes were away for games. Mahomes’ home was burglarized on October 5, 2024, followed by Kelce’s on October 7—both occurring as the Kansas City Chiefs played. The ring’s criminal operation didn’t stop there. On December 9, during a Monday Night Football matchup in Dallas, Joe Burrow’s residence was also ransacked, with thieves making off with nearly $300,000 in designer luggage, watches, and jewelry.
This crime wave extended beyond the NFL, with a Milwaukee Bucks player’s home looted for an astonishing $1.484 million in valuables. A Tampa Bay Buccaneers player lost luxury items worth $167,000, while another break-in at a Memphis Grizzlies player’s residence resulted in $1 million in stolen goods.
The heartbreaking reality of these crimes is that they were meticulously planned. Prosecutors revealed that the thieves tracked athletes’ schedules, used burner phones to evade law enforcement, and rented vehicles in Florida before carrying out their nationwide burglaries. The suspects, identified as members of an organized South American Theft Group, now face up to 10 years in prison if convicted.
Federal agencies, including the FBI and Homeland Security, have cracked down on this criminal network in a massive joint investigation. The shocking details in the indictment show how this tragedy unfolded, leaving some of the biggest names in sports as victims. As this case develops, the sports world watches closely, demanding justice for the targeted athletes.
