South American organized crime groups were reportedly behind raids on the homes of professional athletes over the course of recent months.
The FBI warned professional sports leagues about targeted home raids in a Liaison Information Report, ABC News reported Monday.
The report says the groups conduct “physical and technical surveillance” to prepare for thefts. They use social media to get an idea of where and when a person will leave their house, and then they leave their mark.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PakGazette.Com
September 15, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, United States; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) and tight end Travis Kelce (87) return to the bench after a score against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. (Images by Denny Medley-Imagn)
According to the report, the so-called “perception” that athletes may have designer items, expensive jewelry and cash makes them targets. “Organized burglar groups” reportedly robbed the homes of at least nine professional athletes.
“While many burglaries occur while homes are unoccupied, some occur while residents are home. In these cases, people are encouraged to seek help from authorities and avoid associating with criminals, as they may be armed or use violence if confronted,” the report says. he stated, according to ABC News.
Pak Gazette Digital has contacted the FBI for comment.
NBC OMITS ‘REDSKINS’ FROM EX-STAR QB’S JERSEY AS JAYDEN DANIELS ESTABLISHES FRANCHISE BRAND, ATTRACTS REJECTION FROM FANS
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) celebrates after an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos in Cincinnati, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)
NFL stars like Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Joe Burrow have been the targets of robberies in recent months. Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic was also robbed recently.
The NFL issued a safety alert to players about residential burglaries in November, according to NFL Network.
Sources told the network at the time that a South American criminal organization was believed to be behind the series of robberies.
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) celebrates after scoring a 3-pointer over Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley (10) in the first half of an NBA basketball game on Wednesday, Dec. 25 2024 in Dallas. (AP Photo/Emil T. Lippe)
“It’s legit,” a source told NFL Network last month. “It’s a transnational criminal network, and for the last three weeks they’ve targeted NBA and NFL players, and it’s all over the country.”
