Federal authorities have charged seven members of a South American theft group linked to high-profile burglaries targeting NFL and NBA athletes, including Kansas City Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. The suspects allegedly stole over $2 million in jewelry, luxury goods, and cash while players were away during games, per court documents.
Defendants Pablo Zuniga Cartes, Ignacio Zuniga Cartes, and five others face up to 10 years in prison for conspiracy to transport stolen property across state lines.
P. Zuniga Cartes wore a Chiefs shirt in a photo with stolen items—a clear nod to targeting Mahomes and Kelce,an FBI agent noted in the complaint.
The group’s modus operandi included:
- Tracking athletes’ schedules via public records
- Breaking in through windows or prying open sliding doors
- Prioritizing watches, jewelry, and designer accessories
- Using disposable throw phonesto avoid detection
Notable incidents include a November 2024 burglary at Milwaukee Bucks player Bobby Portis’ home where $1.5 million in items were taken and a December 2024 theft of $1 million from a Memphis Grizzlies athlete’s residence. Three defendants also face charges related to a robbery at Bengals QB Joe Burrow’s home.
Prosecutors confirmed the ring operated nationally, renting vehicles in Florida later tied to burglaries in multiple states. The FBI has issued warnings to professional sports leagues about organized theft threats.