FBI warning about organized crime groups targeting pro athletes

ATLANTA - The FBI is warning sports leagues about crime organizations targeting professional athletes following a string of burglaries at the homes of prominent NFL and NBA players.

The athletes’ homes are targeted due to the perception they may contain high-end goods like designer handbags, jewelry, watches and cash, the FBI said in a Liaison Information Report obtained by ABC News.

The recent victims include the Dallas Maverick's Luka Doncic, who was the victim of a burglary on Dec. 27. Star NFL quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes of Kansas City and Joe Burrow of Cincinnati, along with Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, have recently been victims, as have NBA players Bobby Portis of Milwaukee and Mike Conley Jr. of Minnesota.

According to the FBI report, organized theft groups from South America use publicly available information and social media to identify athletes’ habits and track their comings and goings. The groups use technology allowing them to bypass alarm systems, block wireless internet connections and disable devices, cover security cameras and hide their identities.

Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs looks on before Super Bowl LVIII against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium on Feb. 11, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ryan Kang/Getty Images)

Athlete burglaries in metro Atlanta

Metro Atlanta has not avoided the trend of sports burglaries.

In 2019, a thief broke into the Buckhead home of former Braves right fielder Nick Markakis on two back-to-back occasions. 

Police say the person got in through a window and stole $30,000, five guns and several watches.

In 2022, Atlanta police arrested a man accused of burglarizing former Atlanta Falcons player Julio Jones' Buckhead home. The man almost got away with clothing, jewelry, and NFL gear.

That same year, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis indicted 26 people accused of targeting Atlanta-area home of famous athletes and entertainers including Mariah Carey, Marlo Hampton of "The Real Housewives of Atlanta," Atlanta United player Brad Guzan and the Atlanta Falcons’ Calvin Ridley.

FBI warns athletes to be careful on social media

The FBI is advising athletes to report suspicious activity, keep records of valuables and where they are kept, employ extra security and use caution on social media. 

The agency also suggested athletes avoid posting pictures of valuables, the interior of their homes and real-time posts when on vacation.