Professional star athletes, known for their high public profiles and visible wealth, are increasingly falling victim to a disturbing rise in burglaries orchestrated by sophisticated crime rings.
A recent FBI warning to sports leagues has shed light on a troubling trend of professional athletes becoming prime targets for organized burglary rings.
Sophisticated crime groups link these burglaries by exploiting social media to track athletes’ whereabouts and identify valuable possessions.
Athletes frequently showcase their wealth on social media, making them prime targets for theft.
Their public visibility, combined with time away from home for games or travel, increases their vulnerability to burglaries.
The FBI advised NFL and NBA athletes to avoid posting images of valuables like jewelry and electronics on public accounts.
Athletes’ social media posts, along with the widespread knowledge of their whereabouts, make them easy targets for criminals.
This combination allows criminal groups to plan break-ins when athletes are away.
High-profile athletes such as Kansas City Chiefs players Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes, Milwaukee Bucks’ Bobby Portis, and Dallas Mavericks’ Luka Dončić have all fallen victim to such crimes in recent months.
The FBI believes South American organized theft rings are behind many of these burglaries.
These groups conduct surveillance, bypass alarm systems, disable cameras, and use high-tech methods to target athletes’ homes.
The targeted properties are often assumed to hold high-end goods that are easy to steal and resell.
Pro athletes and high-profile celebrities need to live in guard gated communities. It’s sad, but it’s no longer a responsible decision to live somewhere in an American city where strangers can walk up to your front door if you have that much to lose. https://t.co/P1TxzkaRGr
— Matt Pressberg 📰🏔️ (@mattpressberg) January 3, 2025
According to experts, criminals from countries like Chile and Argentina exploit visa loopholes to enter the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program.
This allows them to travel freely and commit crimes with little scrutiny.
In response, both the FBI and leagues have advised athletes to enhance their home security and avoid posting real-time updates when they are away.
The FBI’s memo emphasizes reporting suspicious activity, keeping valuables records, and maintaining functional alarm systems.
This rise in burglaries reflects a broader trend of sophisticated international crime rings targeting high-net-worth individuals.
In some cases, such as the recent theft of Keanu Reeves’ watch in Chile, criminals have targeted celebrities and athletes alike.
The FBI warns professional athletes about being increasingly targeted by South American organized theft groups, which burglarize homes for high-end goods like jewelry and cash. https://t.co/68OPtVVrMD pic.twitter.com/aUOI7bnTQF
— Black Enterprise (@blackenterprise) January 4, 2025
Law enforcement across multiple states and countries is working to dismantle these criminal networks and prevent further crimes.
The FBI‘s involvement in this issue highlights the increasing sophistication of these burglary rings and the growing need for vigilance.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- According to a Dallas police report, burglars took about $23,000 worth of “jewelry and precious metals” from Doncic’s house.
- Burglars made off with $20,000 from Kelce’s home in October.
- A domestic burglary ring in Atlanta reportedly targeted singer Mariah Carey and Atlanta United goalie Brad Guzan.
