The Federal Bureau of Investigation has issued a stern warning to professional athletes: a highly organized international crime ring is targeting some of the biggest stars in American sports. This alarming trend has prompted the FBI to release a memo to major leagues and sports teams, offering crucial advice on how to avoid becoming a victim of these brazen thieves.
Recent months have seen a disturbing spike in burglaries involving high-profile athletes. Among the victims are NFL stars such as Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Joe Burrow, and Dak Prescott, along with NBA players like Luka Doncic and Bobby Portis. The FBI reports that at least nine professional athletes were targeted between September and November 2024, raising concerns about the safety of these public figures and their families.
High-Tech Tactics of the Criminals
So, how are these criminals pulling off such daring heists? The FBI has revealed that the group, believed to be operating out of South America, employs high-tech equipment and sophisticated surveillance techniques. They monitor their targets closely, using social media and public information to identify patterns in the athletes’ lives. This allows them to strike when the athletes are away from home, often during games or public appearances.
The crime ring’s methods are chilling. They utilize Wi-Fi jammers to disable security systems, cover cameras, and obscure their identities. This level of preparation enables them to conduct burglaries in a remarkably short amount of time, leaving little trace behind.
FBI Guidance for Athletes
In light of these threats, the FBI has provided several recommendations for athletes to enhance their security. They advise players to keep a detailed inventory of their valuables, particularly high-end items like designer handbags, jewelry, and electronics. Additionally, they suggest avoiding social media posts that showcase luxury goods or provide information about their whereabouts, especially in real-time.
The FBI’s memo emphasizes the importance of vigilance, stating, "While many burglaries occur while homes are unoccupied, some burglaries occur while residents are home." In such cases, they urge individuals to seek law enforcement assistance and avoid confrontation, as the criminals may be armed.
Victims Speak Out
The emotional toll of these crimes is evident in the statements from the victims. Dak Prescott recently shared his experience after his fiancée, Sarah Jane Ramos, had $40,000 worth of items stolen from her car while she was at a Pilates class. The couple is understandably shaken, with Prescott stating, "I don’t want to tie that in with other things that have been happening… But as far as the other – protecting the home and that – yeah, I’m going to take every step necessary that I can to ensure safety."
Just a day after Prescott’s incident, fellow Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic faced a similar fate. While playing against the Phoenix Suns, he had $30,000 worth of jewelry stolen from his home. Thankfully, no one was home at the time, but the emotional impact was significant. His business manager confirmed that Luka has filed a police report and that an investigation is underway.
Burglary Spree Among NFL Stars
The crime wave has not spared even the most prominent athletes. During a recent Kansas City Chiefs game weekend, both Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce had their homes burglarized within hours of each other. Mahomes lost valuable memorabilia, while his wife, Brittany, reported missing jewelry and designer handbags. Meanwhile, Kelce’s losses included his first Super Bowl jersey and around $100,000 worth of jewelry.
Joe Burrow’s experience was particularly harrowing. His home was robbed during a Monday Night Football game, leaving him feeling like his "privacy had been violated." He expressed the difficulty of living a public life, stating, "We live a public life, and you know, one of my least favorite parts of that is the lack of privacy."
Bobby Portis, a guard for the Milwaukee Bucks, also fell victim to this crime spree. He released video footage of his home invasion, showing masked figures in the act. Portis was playing against the Cleveland Cavaliers at the time and later appealed to the public for help in recovering his stolen "prized possessions."
Protecting Athletes and Their Families
The FBI’s warning serves as a wake-up call for athletes and their families. The risks associated with fame and fortune are real, and the need for enhanced security measures has never been more pressing. As Prescott noted, "You understand that, as I said, who we are, what we’re subject to, that others can look up and just see how much we make or maybe an address, and that puts us subject to a target."
In a world where social media plays an integral role in athletes’ lives, the balance between sharing their successes and protecting their privacy is delicate. The FBI’s guidance is clear: athletes must take proactive steps to safeguard their homes and loved ones.
As the NFL season continues, one can only hope that these athletes remain vigilant and that law enforcement can bring these criminals to justice. After all, the safety and security of our sports heroes should always come first.
