Seven Chilean burglars have been arrested after a meticulously planned three-month crime spree targeting the homes of famous athletes, including NFL, NBA, and NHL stars. The gang's victims included Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Joe Burrow, and Luka Doncic, whose residences were broken into across multiple cities. The criminals orchestrated their heists with precision, using rented cars and fake IDs to move stealthily between Kansas City, Milwaukee, Memphis, and Cincinnati.
The sophisticated operation involved the burglars closely monitoring their victims' schedules, as well as the movements of police investigators and security teams. They employed cell-phone tower data to connect their phones with their rental vehicles, ensuring they remained one step ahead of law enforcement. By identifying vulnerabilities in home security systems, the gang was able to convert stolen high-value items into cash through "fences," amassing an estimated total haul of approximately $3 million.
The most lucrative of their burglaries occurred at the home of Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis Jr., where they made away with an estimated $1 million in valuables. In a public statement following the break-in, Bobby Portis expressed his devastation:
"I consider Milwaukee my home. Last night, while I was at work, my home was burglarized, and many of my prized possessions were stolen. If you have any tips or info, please send them to info@bobbyportis.com. Rewards for info leading to recovery or arrests!"
The gang members were identified as Pablo Zunigo Cartes, Ignacio Zuniga Cartes, Bastian Jimenez Freraut, Alexander Huiaguil Chavez, Jordan Quiroga Sanchez, Bastian Orellano Morales, and Sergio Ortega Cabello. Their arrest followed a breakthrough when police obtained a search warrant for a secure Apple iCloud account used by the gang to upload photos of their stolen items. This digital evidence led to the gang's capture in late January on an Ohio highway when law enforcement halted their rental car.
Authorities have charged the group with conspiracy to commit burglary, with each member potentially facing up to 10 years in prison. The case has been described as ongoing, with multiple individuals charged and more court proceedings expected. An FBI agent characterized the gang's activities as "sophisticated," acknowledging their ability to pinpoint targets and exploit security system weaknesses.
"The individuals seem to be the alleged tip of the iceberg," stated the U.S. Attorney's Office in the southern district of Ohio.
One of the most vocal victims of these crimes, Joe Burrow, shared his feelings about the invasion of privacy he experienced due to the burglaries:
"My privacy has been violated in more ways than one."
The criminals’ modus operandi extended beyond mere break-ins; they were adept at blending into their environments and using technology to avoid detection. Their use of fake identities allowed them to rent vehicles without raising suspicion. By leveraging cell-phone tower data, they ensured their phones aligned with the movements of their rental cars, thereby reducing the risk of being tracked through common digital footprints.
The gang’s ability to monitor police activity was another testament to their strategy. They stayed informed about ongoing investigations and adjusted their plans accordingly. Their knowledge of security system vulnerabilities allowed them to bypass alarms and other protective measures effectively.
Despite their elaborate planning, the downfall of these criminals came from an internal oversight—the decision to document their spoils on an iCloud account. This crucial evidence provided authorities with a clear link between the stolen goods and the perpetrators. When law enforcement finally caught up with them on an Ohio highway, it marked the end of a meticulously executed operation that had eluded capture for months.
The arrest of these individuals has brought some relief to those affected by their crimes. The athletes targeted in these burglaries had faced not only financial losses but also emotional distress from having their personal spaces violated. The case has highlighted the need for heightened security measures among high-profile individuals who may be unknowingly vulnerable to such calculated attacks.
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