On Tuesday, federal authorities charged seven men, all Chilean nationals, who allegedly burglarized the homes of several professional athletes, including Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Joe Burrow, among others. According to the complaint, the men are part of a South American Theft Group that targeted the pro athletes, stealing more than $2 million of property.

The U.S. Department of Justice said Chilean nationals “were members of a South American Theft Group that burglarized the homes of professional athletes around the country.”  They were identified as: Pablo Zuniga Cartes, 24; Ignacio Zuniga Cartes, 20; Bastian Jimenez Freraut, 27; Jordan Quiroga Sanchez, 22; Bastian Orellano Morales, 23; Alexander Huiaguil Chavez, 24; and Sergio Ortega Cabello, 38.

The named individuals targeted high-profile athletes in the National Football League (NFL) and National Basketball Association (NBA), all of whom were away or playing in professional games at the times of the burglaries. The suspects burglarized the homes of Kansas City Chiefs players Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce in October 2024, taking jewelry, watches, cash and other luxury merchandise, the Justice Department added.

Per the complaint, the burglaries began last October in Kansas City, with jewelry, watches, cash and other valuables were taken from the homes. Later that month, a Tampa Bay Buccaneers player was burglarized; and in early November, a Milwaukee Bucks player (reportedly Bobby Portis) was also burglarized. The complaint includes a photo of four men (one of whom is hiding his face) posing with the stolen goods.  In early December, Burrow’s home was burglarized with about $300,000 worth of designer goods stolen; and 10 days later, a Memphis Grizzlies player had about $1 million worth of luxury goods stolen from his home.

Each man has been charged with conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison, if convicted.

Editorial credit: JHVEPhoto / Shutterstock.com