Story perspectives

Chilean Police Nab Three FBI-Wanted Athlete Burglary Suspects

5/27/2026

Summary

Chilean Police Arrest

Chilean police arrested three FBI-wanted suspects linked to athlete burglaries.
Police captured two after the break-in at Juan Martín del Potro’s home.
Enrique Gutiérrez said a third suspect was seized.
Thieves robbed Patrick Mahomes’ and Travis Kelce’s homes on Oct. 5, Oct. 7, 2024.
In February 2025 U.S. Justice Department charged seven Chileans with stealing $2 million.
FBI warned athletes to record valuables because thieves use Wi-Fi jammers and hidden cameras.

Summary

FBI Uncovers Burglaries

FBI linked the theft ring to burglaries of a Tampa Bay Buccaneers player ($167,000 loss) and a Memphis Grizzlies player in December 2024 ($1 million loss).
The complaint says thieves identify targets from public athlete schedules and enter homes by breaking windows or prying sliding doors with crowbars.
Prosecutors note the thieves rented Florida vehicles later found near burglaries, including one in Hillsborough, Florida, within the Middle District where the complaint was filed.

Summary

Police Release Selfie

Argentine police released a selfie inside Bobby Portis’s home that shows a safe and stolen jewelry as key evidence.
One suspect in the photo wore a Kansas City Chiefs shirt, linking him to the Kelce and Mahomes break-ins.
The complaint values the stolen property at $1.5 million, including watches, chains, designer bags and personal items.
NBA and NFL sent security alerts to players, urging heightened home protection after the burglaries.

History

Historical Context

The 2015 FBI Operation Burglar broke an international theft ring that stole $2.3 million from celebrities, marking one of the first high-profile cross-border criminal busts. Later that year, the coordinated Paris attacks that killed 130 people underscored how transnational networks could threaten both security and property, prompting agencies like the FBI and European police to deepen cooperation.

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Chilean Police Arrest

Chilean police arrested three FBI-wanted suspects linked to athlete burglaries.
Police captured two after the break-in at Juan Martín del Potro’s home.
Enrique Gutiérrez said a third suspect was seized.
Thieves robbed Patrick Mahomes’ and Travis Kelce’s homes on Oct. 5, Oct. 7, 2024.
In February 2025 U.S. Justice Department charged seven Chileans with stealing $2 million.
FBI warned athletes to record valuables because thieves use Wi-Fi jammers and hidden cameras.

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