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FBI Warns of Organized Crime Targeting Pro Athletes' Homes

A spate of burglaries at athletes' residences since September has been linked to South American crime groups using advanced tactics.

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Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is among professional athletes whose houses have been burglarized.
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Overview

  • The FBI has issued a formal warning to professional sports leagues about organized theft groups targeting athletes' homes for high-value items like jewelry, watches, and cash.
  • At least nine professional athletes, including Luka Doncic, Patrick Mahomes, and Joe Burrow, have had their homes burglarized between September and December 2024.
  • The FBI reports that South American crime syndicates use social media, public schedules, and surveillance to plan break-ins, often bypassing alarm systems and disabling security devices.
  • Both the NFL and NBA issued security alerts to players in November, advising them to enhance home security and limit social media posts revealing their locations or valuables.
  • Authorities are investigating potential connections between these burglaries and transnational crime rings, emphasizing the need for athletes to report suspicious activity and take preventive measures.