Chilean police have arrested three Chilean nationals sought by the FBI for burglarizing the homes of professional American athletes in 2024 and 2025, authorities confirmed Sunday. The suspects also conducted similar crimes targeting athletes in Argentina.
What happened
Authorities apprehended two suspects last week following a break-in at the home of former tennis player Juan Martin del Potro in Argentina. This arrest led officials to detain a third gang member on Saturday in Chile, according to Commissioner Enrique Gutierrez of Chilean Interpol. The stolen items included jewelry, high-end watches, sports jerseys, and other valuables.
U.S. authorities had previously issued arrest warrants for the suspects with a view to extradition. In late 2024, the FBI alerted American sports leagues to a series of burglaries targeting professional athletes’ residences across the United States. At least nine athletes fell victim to these break-ins between September and November 2024.
The Justice Department reported that seven Chilean nationals had been charged in the U.S. in February 2025 for thefts worth over $2 million, including luxury goods and cash. Investigations revealed the suspects researched their victims’ social media profiles and assessed home security before committing the crimes.
Why it matters
The arrests mark significant international cooperation to address a complex cross-border criminal network targeting high-profile athletes. The case underscores growing concerns about security vulnerabilities facing professional sports figures and the increasing sophistication of criminal operations leveraging digital information for targeted thefts.
These developments may prompt heightened security measures for athletes and entertainers and reinforce international law enforcement coordination on transnational crimes.
Background
The FBI first publicized an advisory in December 2024 warning sports teams and players about a rash of burglaries affecting renowned athletes in multiple U.S. locations. Victims included NBA star Luka Dončić, NFL quarterbacks Joe Burrow and Patrick Mahomes, NFL player Travis Kelce, NBA guard Mike Conley Jr., Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis, and NHL player Tyler Seguin.
While the suspects had minimal criminal records in Chile, they specialized in thefts abroad. The ongoing investigations reflect broader efforts by U.S. and South American authorities to dismantle transnational crime rings exploiting technology and social networks for illicit gains.
Sources
This article is based on reporting and publicly available information from the following source:
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