The investigation follows a November warning from the FBI to the NBA of robbers of homes targeting athletes and wealthy people.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation announced Friday that it had launched a national operation to investigate robbery rings targeting homes of professional athletes across the country.
According to the FBI, criminal businesses are believed to be organized by South American Theft Groups (SATGs) that use the official nature of athletes’ schedules to find the right time for break-in.
The announcement comes days before the NFL Super Bowl scheduled for Sunday in New Orleans, when the Kansas City chief will face the Philadelphia Eagles.
Two individuals allegedly running a resale network on the East Coast for stolen items have been arrested. Additionally, the Federal Jury in Cincinnati has indicted three suspects allegedly connected to the theft ring, according to the FBI, and has stolen the three suspects allegedly connected to the theft ring. It accused him of forged records in interstate transport of the property and federal investigations.
The investigation follows a November warning from the FBI to the NBA for robbers of homes targeting professional athletes and wealthy individuals. Officials said it could be linked to sophisticated cross-border theft.
Related Stories
According to an NBA memo obtained by Reuters, the FBI explained to the league about the connections between many home robbers and SATG. The memo described these groups as “a well-organized, sophisticated ring that incorporates advanced technologies and technologies, including pre-surveillance, drones, and signal jamming devices.”
In the latest announcement, acting director of the FBI, Brian J. Driscoll Jr., said he is committed to addressing the issue.
“The FBI leads an initiative targeting South American theft groups by combining our national resources and working with our valued law enforcement partners to link national commonalities and suspects. I did,” Driscoll said.
The FBI investigation claims that these theft groups not only target athletes, but also gem sales rep transport inventory. Criminals often use “fences” that use individuals or businesses who knowingly purchase and resell stolen items, and sometimes send items to Chile or Colombia.
As part of the ongoing business, the FBI has worked with field offices in Cincinnati, Newark and New York to arrest Dimitri “Russo” Nezinski and Juanvillar in the Diamond District of Manhattan. The pair has been accused of performing major East Coast “fence” operations.
The agency is urging the public to report alleged SATG activities via online chip systems at TIPS.FBI.GOV. The FBI guarantees that tips can be submitted anonymously.
Reuters contributed to this report.
