An international burglary investigation targeting organized theft crews accused of stealing luxury items from some of the world’s biggest sports stars has led to arrests in South America, according to police in Chile.

Authorities announced that three suspects wanted by the FBI in connection with a string of high-profile break-ins involving professional athletes were taken into custody over the weekend.

Investigators say the suspects allegedly targeted wealthy athletes across the United States and Argentina, stealing expensive jewelry, luxury watches and valuable sports memorabilia during carefully planned burglaries that stretched across multiple countries.

Among the athletes linked to the investigation are NFL star Travis Kelce, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, NBA standout Luka Dončić and retired Argentine tennis champion Juan Martín del Potro.

Police say the arrests mark a major development in an international effort to dismantle organized theft crews accused of exploiting athletes’ public visibility and travel schedules.

Authorities in Chile announced the arrests Sunday, May 24.

According to police, investigators believe the suspects were connected to burglaries carried out in 2024 and 2025.

Officials said two members of the alleged burglary group were first detained in Argentina.

Their arrests reportedly occurred after investigators connected them to a break-in at the home of former tennis star Juan Martín del Potro.

The retired Argentine athlete became one of tennis’ biggest names after winning the 2009 U.S. Open.

He remains one of Latin America’s most celebrated tennis champions.

Authorities said the arrests in Argentina created momentum that eventually led investigators to a third suspect.

“The capture of these two individuals in Argentina” contributed directly to the latest arrest, Chilean Interpol Commissioner Enrique Gutiérrez said in comments released by police.

Investigators say international coordination between law enforcement agencies proved critical.

Officials confirmed that U.S. authorities have already requested extradition warrants connected to the suspects.

Police indicated the individuals could ultimately face prosecution in either the United States or Argentina.

“These individuals will face justice in the United States or Argentina,” officials said.

Authorities have not publicly disclosed the suspects’ identities.

Police also have not released details regarding specific charges tied to individual burglaries.

Investigators say the suspects allegedly targeted luxury goods frequently associated with high-profile athletes.

Among the reported stolen property were expensive watches.

Jewelry was also allegedly taken.

Investigators further say sports memorabilia became another major target.

Jerseys, souvenirs and collectibles reportedly disappeared during some break-ins.

Authorities believe the crimes were not random.

Instead, investigators say the thefts reflected planning and organization.

Federal investigators in the United States had already been warning professional sports organizations about emerging burglary patterns months before the arrests.

In December 2024, the FBI reportedly issued alerts to sports leagues regarding organized theft crews targeting athletes.

According to law enforcement findings, criminals allegedly identified wealthy players whose schedules were publicly available.

Investigators said social media activity and game schedules became tools used to identify opportunities.

Professional athletes frequently travel for games.

That creates predictable periods when homes may sit empty.

Authorities believe organized groups exploited those patterns.

Several burglaries reportedly occurred when players were away competing.

One of the highest-profile victims linked to the investigation was Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce.

Kelce reportedly experienced a burglary in October 2024 while his team played an away game.

The Chiefs had traveled to face the New Orleans Saints.

Authorities say burglars struck during that window.

Investigators say Kelce was not the only Chiefs player affected.

Quarterback Patrick Mahomes reportedly experienced a burglary less than 48 hours before Kelce.

The incidents sparked growing concern among professional sports organizations.

Then additional cases surfaced.

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow also became one of the athletes linked to reported burglaries.

Authorities said burglars allegedly targeted Burrow’s residence while he was away competing in Dallas.

The timing reinforced concerns investigators had already raised.

Police believe publicly visible schedules made professional athletes especially vulnerable.

NBA star Luka Dončić also became connected to reports involving theft investigations.

Authorities have not publicly detailed every allegation tied to individual suspects.

However, investigators say the emerging pattern reflects broader organized criminal activity rather than isolated opportunistic theft.

Federal investigators previously warned that luxury possessions frequently make athletes attractive targets.

Professional players often own valuable jewelry.

Luxury watches.

Designer items.

Sports collectibles.

Cash.

Investigators believe criminals increasingly study publicly available information before deciding whom to target.

Authorities say social media plays a significant role.

Photos posted online can unintentionally reveal details about homes.

Travel schedules can provide clues about when properties may be vacant.

Investigators believe sophisticated theft groups sometimes monitor those patterns carefully.

According to previous law enforcement findings, organized burglary crews allegedly employ advanced techniques.

Authorities say some groups bypass security systems.

Investigators have also reported the use of Wi-Fi jamming devices designed to interfere with security equipment.

Some crews allegedly cover surveillance cameras.

Others reportedly conceal identities to limit investigative evidence.

Law enforcement experts say modern burglary organizations increasingly resemble coordinated criminal enterprises rather than isolated offenders.

International criminal groups frequently operate across borders.

That reality creates investigative challenges.

Jurisdictional boundaries can complicate arrests.

Evidence collection becomes more difficult.

International cooperation becomes essential.

Authorities in Chile highlighted the importance of collaboration between agencies.

Investigators from multiple countries reportedly shared intelligence throughout the operation.

Law enforcement officials say partnerships often become crucial when crimes involve multiple legal systems.

Extradition proceedings may now become the next major phase.

Authorities have not indicated how long that process may take.

International extradition cases can involve complex legal procedures.

Defense attorneys frequently challenge transfers between countries.

Courts must evaluate legal requirements before suspects are moved.

Meanwhile, professional sports organizations continue emphasizing security awareness.

Federal authorities have encouraged athletes to strengthen safety measures.

Investigators recommend maintaining updated records of valuable possessions.

Security professionals also advise caution regarding social media activity.

Public posts revealing travel locations or schedules may unintentionally create risks.

Experts say athletes are not alone in facing these concerns.

High-profile public figures increasingly encounter similar vulnerabilities.

Public visibility can create security challenges.

Investigators continue examining whether additional burglaries may connect to the suspects now in custody.

Authorities have not ruled out further arrests.

Law enforcement officials also continue analyzing evidence recovered during the investigation.

Investigators believe organized theft networks sometimes operate in broader structures involving multiple participants.

Some individuals may conduct surveillance.

Others allegedly carry out break-ins.

Additional participants may handle transportation or movement of stolen property.

Authorities continue working to determine the full scope.

For victims, financial losses represent only part of the damage.

Burglary victims frequently describe emotional impacts.

Homes often symbolize privacy and security.

When that sense of safety disappears, consequences can linger long after stolen property is replaced.

Professional athletes frequently maintain demanding schedules.

Many already balance public visibility with personal privacy concerns.

Investigators say targeted burglaries introduce another challenge.

Authorities believe the recent arrests represent progress.

But investigators caution that organized property crime remains an evolving threat.

Technology changes.

Criminal tactics adapt.

Law enforcement agencies continue adjusting strategies in response.

For now, three arrests have brought investigators closer to answers.

International authorities continue building their case.

And professional athletes across multiple sports are watching closely as prosecutors move toward what could become one of the most significant organized sports-targeting theft prosecutions in recent years.