The NBA is warning players to protect valuables from “well-organized and sophisticated” transnational criminal organizations, according to a memo obtained Friday by NBC News, similar to the NFL’s earlier this week. is consistent with the warning.
Security officials at two of the world’s most famous professional sports leagues are on edge following a series of brazen home invasions targeting some of the sport’s most famous players.
Leon Newsom, the NBA’s senior vice president and chief security officer, told the league president and general manager that league officials had been briefed by FBI agents and that “professional athletes and other wealthy ” warned that they were becoming more and more victims. Transnational South American Theft Group (“SATG”). ”
“These SATGs are reportedly well-organized and sophisticated rings that incorporate advanced techniques and technologies such as proactive surveillance, drones, and signal jammers,” Newsom said.
“SATG primarily focuses on cash and items that can be resold on the black market, such as jewelry, watches, and luxury bags.According to FBI reports, in most incidents, homes had alarm systems installed. The FBI also reported that the homes were all unoccupied and, in most cases, had no dogs.
The NBA memo does not list the names of the victims.
However, recent reported robberies of Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis, Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley Jr., and Kansas City Chiefs teammates Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce In response, the letter was sent this week.
Earlier this week, the NFL told players to be careful about publicly sharing information about their whereabouts, their homes and any luxury items they may own.
“The homes of professional athletes from multiple sports leagues are increasingly the targets of burglaries by organized and skilled groups,” the NFL memo said.
“It is important for players to maintain situational awareness, practice social media safety, and take home safety precautions to reduce the risk of becoming a target.”
