A gang of Chilean burglars orchestrated a series of high-profile break-ins across the United States. Their targets included some of the biggest names in professional sports. The FBI identified the gang’s methods as highly organized and strategic, using rental cars, burner phones, and fake IDs to avoid detection. The Burglars targeted high-profile athletes like Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Joe Burrow, and Bobby Portis.
Bobby Portis’ Home Burglars Were A Sophisticated Gang
The criminals monitored security patterns and avoided detection by hiding in wooded areas near their targets’ homes. They gained entry by breaking small windows or forcing open sliding doors. Their loot included expensive watches, jewelry, and luxury goods worth an estimated $3 million. Despite their meticulous planning, a series of mistakes led to their eventual capture.
How the FBI Tracked the Burglars
The FBI’s investigation revealed key errors made by the burglars. They took selfies with stolen goods and uploaded them to an iCloud account. Federal agents accessed these images through a search warrant, linking the gang directly to the crimes.
Authorities arrested seven members of the gang, charging them with conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property. They now face up to 10 years in prison. The FBI described the gang as part of a larger criminal network specializing in robbing professional athletes.
The Burglary at Bobby Portis’ Home
On November 2, Portis‘ Milwaukee home was burglarized while he played against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The thieves stole over $1.48 million worth of valuables, including several high-end watches, jewelry, cash, and luxury bags.
Portis took to social media the next day, appealing for information about the burglary. Security footage later showed two suspects at his front door, speaking in Spanish before breaking in. A selfie retrieved by the FBI showed four suspects posing with stolen watches, a broken-open safe, and a yellow crowbar in a hotel room.
Other Athletes Targeted in the Crime Wave
The gang’s burglary spree spanned several months, with each attack carefully timed to coincide with the athletes’ game schedules. Mahomes and Kelce were among the first victims in early October. An unidentified Tampa Bay Buccaneers player was hit on October 21. Burrow’s Cincinnati-area home was burglarized on December 9, while another Memphis Grizzlies player lost valuables on December 19.
Authorities suspect the gang may also be behind break-ins at the homes of Dallas Stars’ Tyler Seguin and Luka Dončić, though this remains unconfirmed.
A Critical Break in the Case
Investigators traced the gang’s movements using license-plate readers, cellphone tower data, and rental car records. Police intercepted some suspects in Florida while they drove a rental car. A search of the vehicle uncovered tools used for breaking into homes, including window punches and crowbars.
The criminals showed an advanced understanding of security operations. They tracked security patrols around their targets’ homes and waited for gaps in coverage before striking. In Burrow’s case, they entered through the back of the house while security personnel stood in the driveway.
A Major Criminal Operation Exposed
Authorities believe this gang was only part of a larger criminal network. A pawn shop in New York, allegedly linked to the ring, has also been investigated. Police recovered stolen items from this shop, leading to charges against its owner and an employee for dealing in stolen goods.
Despite their planning, the burglars’ downfall came from their overconfidence. By posting photos of their stolen goods, they left a digital trail leading straight to their arrests. The case highlights the increasing sophistication of organized crime targeting high-profile individuals.
With the gang now in custody, law enforcement continues to investigate potential links to other crimes. The arrests serve as a warning to professional athletes and celebrities to strengthen their home security measures against such sophisticated threats.
© Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
