Organized crime groups from South America allegedly began targeting professional athletes like Travis Kelce, Patrick Mahomes, and Joe Burrow back in 2024.
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As reported by PEOPLE, in December of that year, the FBI warned professional sports leagues about this alarming trend. At least nine professional athletes were burglarized between September and November 2024, while their teams were away for games.
However, over the weekend, three people wanted by the FBI for allegedly robbing Kelce's home were arrested in Chile.
Why Was Travis Kelce Targeted?
The thieves used publicly available information and social media activity to determine when Kelce and their other targets wouldn't be home.
For example, Kelce was robbed in October 2024, coinciding with the Kansas City Chiefs' game in Louisiana against the New Orleans Saints. Just two days earlier, Mahomes had also been robbed.
"These preparation tactics enable theft groups to conduct burglaries in a short amount of time. Organized theft groups bypass alarm systems, use Wi-Fi jammers to block Wi-Fi connections and disable devices, cover security cameras, and obfuscate their identities," the report said.
It added that the homes were being targeted "due to the perception they may have high-end goods like designer handbags, jewelry, watches, and cash."
The suspects are believed to have stolen jewelry, watches, and sports memorabilia from Kelce and their other targets.
How Were the Alleged Thieves Arrested?
Police in Chile announced the arrest of the suspects on Sunday, May 24. Two of them were detained last week, breaking into the home of retired tennis star Juan Martín del Porto. He won the 2009 US Open. He was the last Latin American player to win a Grand Slam tournament.
That arrest in Argentina then led to another on Saturday, according to Chilean Interpol Commissioner Enrique Gutiérrez.
The gender of the three suspects has not been disclosed. According to Gutiérrez, they "will face justice in the United States or Argentina." Arrest warrants with a view to extradition have already been requested by U.S. authorities.
