Federal prosecutors in Florida have formally requested the extradition of two Chilean nationals from Argentina to face U.S. justice, according to reports. Ignacio Zúñiga Cartés, 21, and Bastián Jiménez Freraut, 28, are wanted on conspiracy charges in connection with an alleged international crime ring that targeted the homes of athletes.
The two men were arrested in Buenos Aires in May following a burglary at the home of former Argentine tennis champion Juan Martín Del Potro, where jewelry, medals, and rackets were stolen. Prosecutors allege that the suspects were part of a group that committed brazen break-ins at the homes of NFL stars, including Travis Kelce, Patrick Mahomes, and Joe Burrow, while they were away for games. The FBI has described the suspects as members of a "South American theft group."
The alleged thefts occurred between October and December 2024. Prosecutors claim the gang stole a minimum of nearly $3 million in cash, luxury jewelry, watches, and designer bags. The suspects are charged in the U.S. with conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property. The complaint against them was filed in January 2025, with at least one burglary taking place in Florida at the home of a Tampa Bay Buccaneers player.
Under Argentine law, the suspects must first have their matters dealt with in that country before an extradition request can be fulfilled. They are currently remanded in custody in the Marcos Paz prison in Buenos Aires province. Their defense attorney has indicated that the extradition process could take up to two years. The extradition request to Argentine authorities was signed by Assistant US Attorney Daniel Baeza and Magistrate Judge Anthony E. Porcelli for the Middle District of Florida and forwarded to Argentine judge Sebastián Ramos, accompanied by an FBI affidavit. Evidence against the suspects includes CCTV footage allegedly showing the gang returning from burglaries and images of stolen goods found on their phones, as well as alleged text messages warning of their arrest.