Chilean police have arrested three Chilean men accused of robbing the homes of professional athletes, including Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, in 2024 and 2025, according to CBS News. The suspects, identified as Ignacio Zuniga Cartes, Bastian Jimenez Freraut, and Pablo Zuniga Cartes, are wanted by the FBI. Two of them are also linked to a robbery in Argentina.
Breakthrough in Argentina
ABC News reports that two suspects, Ignacio Zuniga Cartes and Bastian Jimenez Freraut, were involved in the home burglary of Argentine tennis player Juan Martin del Potro in early May 2026. Their arrest led to the capture of the third suspect. Argentine authorities stated that Pablo Zuniga Cartes is not connected to the tennis player's burglary. The arrests were part of a joint operation between the FBI and Chilean police. The suspects remain in Chile, awaiting extradition to the United States. They are believed to be part of a South American group that targets the homes of professional athletes in the US.
Millions Stolen
KCTV5 reports that the suspects stole millions of dollars in valuables, including jewelry, high-end watches, cash, souvenirs, and sports gear. Mahomes' home in Lock Llyod was burglarized on October 5, 2024, and Kelce's home in Lenexa was burglarized two days later, on October 7, 2024. Other victims include NFL quarterback Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals, NBA stars Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers, Mike Conley Jr. of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Bobby Portis of the Milwaukee Bucks, and NHL forward Tyler Seguin of the Dallas Stars.
Guilty Plea
ESPN reports that in early March 2026, Alexander Esteban Huaiquil-Chavez pleaded guilty to interstate transportation of stolen property in federal court, related to the 2024 burglaries. He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 11. As part of the plea agreement, both sides agreed to a two-year prison sentence.
Additional Burglary
Heavy Sports reports that a Tampa Bay Buccaneers player's home was also burglarized while the player was away for a game against the Baltimore Ravens. According to a U.S. Department of Justice complaint, the group targeted athletes while they were playing or traveling, stealing over $2 million in total. The burglaries occurred between October and December 2024. On October 21, 2024, a Buccaneers player's home was burglarized in Tampa, with thieves stealing jewelry, Rolex watches, a Louis Vuitton suitcase, and a firearm valued at approximately $167,000.
