Seven Chileans Charged in Athlete Home Burglaries

Seven Chilean men have been charged with burglarizing the homes of several high-profile U.S. athletes, including NFL stars Patrick Mahomes and Joe Burrow, as well as players from the NBA. The group, known as the South American Theft Group, allegedly targeted athletes when they were away at games, stealing luxury items worth millions. Stolen goods included expensive watches, jewelry, and designer luggage, with one incident involving approximately $1.5 million taken from a Milwaukee Bucks player's home. The defendants, aged between 20 and 38, face serious charges, including conspiracy to commit transportation of stolen property, with potential penalties of up to ten years in prison. Their criminal activities were facilitated by meticulous planning, including tracking athletes' schedules and using temporary communication devices to avoid detection. Law enforcement agencies highlight the growing issue of 'crime tourism,' where international thieves exploit high-value targets in the U.S.