FBI alerts sports leagues about organized crime groups targeting professional athletes

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Patrick Mahomes in the 1st half

The FBI is warning sports leagues about organized crime groups targeting professional athletes after a series of burglaries at the homes of high-profile NFL and NBA players.

The criminals target these homes because they are believed to contain valuable items such as designer handbags, jewelry, watches, and cash, according to a Liaison Information Report from the FBI obtained by ABC News.

Following the break-ins, the NFL and NBA have both issued security alerts to their players. Some of the burglaries occurred when players were away with their teams for road games. The NFL’s alert notes that athletes’ homes across various sports are increasingly being targeted by skilled organized groups.

The most recent victim is Luka Dončić of the Dallas Mavericks, whose home was burglarized. Dončić’s business manager, Lara Beth Seager, confirmed the break-in on Saturday, stating that nobody was home when it happened on Friday night.

Dončić has filed a police report. Other victims include NFL stars Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, and Travis Kelce, as well as NBA players Bobby Portis and Mike Conley Jr.

Joe Burrow looks to pass in the 1st half

According to the FBI, South American organized theft groups use publicly available information and social media to track athletes’ movements. These groups have technology that allows them to bypass alarm systems, block wireless internet, disable devices, cover security cameras, and conceal their identities.

Athletes are advised to report suspicious activity, keep records of their valuables and their locations, hire additional security, and exercise caution on social media. The FBI also suggests avoiding sharing pictures of valuable items, the inside of their homes, or real-time updates when away.

By Michael Smith

Hi. Hailing from Manila, I am an avid consumer of anime, gaming, football and professional wrestling. You can mostly find me either writing articles, binging shows or engaged in an engrossing discussion about the said interests.

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