The FBI has officially warned sports leagues that elite athletes are being targeted by organized crime groups that steal from them.
Since September, many professional players’ homes have been broken into while they were away playing games or traveling, which is why the warning was issued
“These homes are targeted for burglary due to the perception they may have high-end goods like designer handbags, jewelry, watches, and cash,” the FBI said in a Liaison Information Report obtained by ABC News.
The report stated that “organized theft groups allegedly burglarized the homes of at least nine professional athletes” between September and November 2024.
“While many burglaries occur while homes are unoccupied, some burglaries occur while residents are home. In these instances, individuals are encouraged to seek law enforcement help and avoid engaging with criminals, as they may be armed or use violence if confronted,” the report further stated.
Recently, thieves have broken into the homes of Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs, Joe Burrow, a quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals, and most recently, Luka Dončić, a guard for the Dallas Mavericks.
Also, thieves broke into the homes of NBA guards Mike Conley Jr. and Bobby Portis. There is no specific mention of these events in the FBI report.
The FBI says that organized crime groups from South America use both physical and digital spying to prepare for these burglaries.
