Kansas City Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce were recently victims of burglaries in Kansas City.
The burglaries are reportedly part of a larger operation and the FBI is working with local law enforcement as a result. Most recently, the NFL issued a statement warning other players of similar crimes that could be a part of a larger operation.
Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce’s burglaries were part of an operation that targets NFL players
According to Tom Pelissero of NFL.com, the FBI in conjunction with the NFL Players Association and team security forces believe the burglaries are part of an international organized crime operation tied to a South American crime syndicate.
South American crimes were a hot-button issue leading up to the election as immigrant Venezuelan gangs were reportedly taking over the city of Aurora, Colo.
In an article from CBS News, Aurora Police Department Chief Todd Chamberlain refuted the claims about Venezuelan gangs in his city.
“[Aurora is] not by any means overtaken by Venezuelan gangs.”
The South American crime syndicate in connection with the Mahomes and Kelce incident is not said to be related to the Venezuelan gangs of Colorado. The group, whose exact country of origin is unspecified, is also expected to be connected to the burglary of Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Linval Joseph’s Minnesota home.
According to Pelissero in the NFL.com article, one source said the issue isn’t confined to NFL players.
“It’s legit,” said one source familiar with the situation. “It’s a transnational crime ring, and over the last three weeks, they’ve focused on NBA and NFL players, and it’s all over the country.”
The operation reportedly aims to be non-confrontational as they utilize surveillance to ensure their crimes are committed while the homes are empty during games.
Some fans send their well wishes to NFL and NBA players who could be affected, while others blame Kelce due to his support of presidential candidate Kamala Harris.
