Federal prosecutors in Florida have requested the extradition of Chilean nationals Ignacio Zuniga Cartes and Bastian Jimenez Freraut from Argentina over NFL player burglaries.
According to the New York Post, Zuniga Cartes, 21, and Jimenez Freraut, 28, fled the United States after allegedly participating in a series of home burglaries targeting high-profile athletes. Federal authorities claim the pair were part of an international crime ring that targeted National Football League stars Travis Kelce, Patrick Mahomes, and Joe Burrow while they were playing on the road.
Targets also included National Basketball Association players Luka Doncic, Ja Morant, and Mike Conley Jr. Both men are now wanted on conspiracy charges in the US.
Authorities arrested the two suspects in Buenos Aires in May after a robbery at the home of former Argentine tennis star Juan Martin Del Potro, where they allegedly stole jewelry, medals, and rackets.
Extradition Process and Defense Response
Defense attorney Florencia Barba, who is representing both men, confirmed that the formal extradition process has officially begun. "The extradition process has officially begun," Barba said. "The defense has not yet been summoned by the judge. My defendants have the will to collaborate with the justice system, which does not imply an acknowledgement of any wrongdoing."
Barba added, "We want the Argentine justice system to review the US request properly, and to determine if it has been done according to law and due process, before any extradition occurs."
Investigators believe the group stole a minimum of $3 million in total from residences while the athletes were out of town. The stolen items included jewelry, cash, trophies, and medals. Items stolen from Travis Kelce while the Kansas City Chiefs were playing away at the New Orleans Saints in October 2024 reportedly included the jersey he wore when he won the Super Bowl for the first time with Kansas City.
Security Alerts and FBI Findings
In 2024, the NFL issued a security alert to teams and the players' union following the burglaries involving the homes of Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce.
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, organized crime groups from South America used publicly available information and social media to track athletes' habits and travel. The FBI reported that the groups used technology allowing them to bypass alarm systems, block wireless internet connections, disable devices, cover security cameras, and hide their identities.
In February, seven Chilean citizens were charged in a federal court in Florida with conspiracy to transport stolen property across state lines, a crime that carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
Argentine Charges and Prison Detention
Ignacio Zuniga Cartes and Bastian Jimenez Freraut are also charged with aggravated robbery by forced entry in Argentina. Prosecutors believe they entered Argentina in April, with evidence against them described as "robust to say the least."
Both men remain in custody at the Marcos Paz prison in Buenos Aires province, a facility housing major drug traffickers and sex offenders. Under Argentine law, they face three to 10 years in prison if found guilty.
Argentine law also states that defendants must have their legal matters dealt with in the country before any extradition request can be fulfilled.