Seven men have been charged with conspiracy in connection with a series of burglaries targeting high-profile athletes such as Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes. Four additional defendants have been added to the case, which involves thefts totaling $2 million. The defendants, all from Chile, are accused of operating as part of a South American burglary crew that targeted homes of athletes across the nation, including NBA and NFL players. In Ohio, four of the defendants pleaded not guilty to initial charges related to participation in criminal activity.
The burglaries date back to October 2024, with notable incidents including break-ins at the homes of Kansas City Chiefs players and a Cincinnati Bengals player. Items stolen include jewelry, designer bags, and firearms worth nearly $1.5 million. The defendants are also linked to a burglary at the home of Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis Jr. and a Memphis Grizzlies player.
These cases are part of a larger trend of burglaries targeting wealthy individuals across the country, believed to be carried out by South American criminal crews. Authorities have warned professional athletes about these crimes, which have also targeted celebrities and other affluent individuals. The incidents have raised concerns about the ease with which criminals can enter the United States using the ESTA Visa Waiver program. Authorities continue to investigate and prosecute these cases in an effort to combat organized crime rings engaged in transnational burglary operations.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
