Tuesday, the NYPD and FBI raided a company in the Diamond District of New York City that authorities said was affiliated with a global thievery organization from South America that has been rifling into the homes of affluent people nationwide.
Investigators stated they are investigating whether this suspected fencing location is connected to any individuals engaged in recent break-ins at the houses of various famous athletes. The purchase and selling of stolen goods is a part of a fencing operation.
On Tuesday morning, a man was taken into custody on West 47th Street close to Sixth Avenue. The second-floor shop was examined by dozens of NYPD Major Case detectives and FBI officers. Later in the day, another individual was arrested, according to people with knowledge of the matter.
Investigators are investigating whether anyone involved in the break-in at Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow’s house is connected to any of the suspects operating the purported fencing enterprise, according to three people familiar with the case. Speaking on condition of anonymity, officials warned that the probe is still underway.
Based on an Eastern District of New York warrant, an FBI New York spokeswoman confirmed an arrest there. John Marzulli, the spokesperson for the Brooklyn U.S. Attorney, declined to comment.
According to two sources, more arrests were being made in Florida in relation to a transnational theft organization based in South America that is said to be targeting the houses of wealthy people, including NFL and NBA stars.
Requests for comment Tuesday were not immediately answered by the FBI’s Tampa office or the U.S. attorney’s office in Tampa.
In November, athletes received security alerts from the NFL and NBA warning them of break-ins, some of which occurred while they were traveling with their teams.The houses of NBA players Bobby Portis, Mike Conley Jr., and Luka Doncica have been attacked. Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and quarterback Patrick Mahomes are among victims.