Are Athletes Being Targeted by Transnational Crime Ring?

FBI Investigates Recent Burglaries at High-Profile Athletes’ Homes

The FBI is investigating whether a recent spate of burglaries at the homes of high-profile professional athletes is connected to a transnational crime ring. The investigation was sparked by a series of break-ins at the residences of several NFL players.

Recent Break-Ins at Athletes’ Homes

Last month, the homes of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce were broken into within days of each other, according to law enforcement reports. Mahomes said he couldn’t provide many details because the investigation is ongoing. Kelce’s losses included $20,000 in cash, according to a police report.

In November, the home of Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis was burglarized by at least two people. That incident was captured on Portis’ home surveillance system. In September, burglars also broke into the home of Minnesota Timberwolves player Mike Conley, stealing jewelry.

FBI Investigates Possible Transnational Crime Ring

NBC News is now reporting that the FBI is working to figure out if a transnational crime ring — possibly one from South America — is responsible. According to retired FBI agent Bobby Chacon, the gang is not a traditional street gang, but rather a highly organized group of thieves.

Modus Operandi May Give Away the Gang’s Identity

The gang’s modus operandi, however, may end up giving them away, according to Chacon. “The more sophisticated some of these groups get, they actually become, not easier to find, but easier to tie together, because they leave a signature, some type of thing that either enables them to defeat a sophisticated security system or get into a house in a certain way,” he said.

NFL Security Warns Teams and Players Association

NFL Security, in a memo provided to teams and the NFL Players Association, said the group is exploiting victims by gathering information through social media, public records, and other media reports. The memo also stated that the FBI is invaluable to the investigation due to its expertise in handling cases that cross state and international lines.

Former FBI Special Agent in Charge Weighs In

“This certainly has a level of sophistication to it, obviously,” said Michael Tabman, a Former FBI Special Agent in Charge. “A case of this magnitude that can cross state lines and international lines is exactly what the FBI is in the business of doing and they’ll be invaluable to this investigation.”

Conclusion

The investigation is ongoing, and it remains to be seen whether the FBI will be able to connect the dots and identify the perpetrators. However, the fact that the FBI is involved and the sophistication of the burglaries suggest that the case may be more complex than initially thought.

FAQs

Q: Who is being targeted by the burglars?
A: High-profile professional athletes, including NFL players.

Q: How many break-ins have occurred?
A: At least four, including incidents at the homes of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, tight end Travis Kelce, Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis, and Minnesota Timberwolves player Mike Conley.

Q: Is the FBI investigating the burglaries?
A: Yes, the FBI is investigating the burglaries as part of an international organized crime ring.

Q: What is the motive behind the burglaries?
A: The motive appears to be financial gain, with the burglars targeting high-profile athletes and stealing cash and jewelry.