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BUENOS AIRES –– Two migrant bandits who were allegedly behind a series of high profile robberies of NFL stars, including Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes, are finally set to face the American justice system.
Federal prosecutors in Florida have formally asked Argentina to extradite Chilean nationals Ignacio Zúñiga Cartés, 21, and Bastián Jiménez Freraut, 28, back to the US for prosecution, The Post can reveal.
They fled the country after their brazen break-ins, which targeted the homes of football players while they were on the road, according to federal authorities.
The roving robbers were arrested in Buenos Aires in May after plying their trade at the home of former Argentine tennis champion Juan Martín Del Potro’s home, stealing jewelry, medals and rackets, cops said.
They are wanted on conspiracy charges in the US in connection to an international crime ring that stole from the homes of Kelce, Mahomes, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, NBA forward Bobby Portis and other sports stars.
“The extradition process has officially begun,” said defense attorney Florencia Barba, who is representing both men.
“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.
“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.”
The theft gang stole a minimum of almost $3 million in total, including cash and luxury jewelry, watches and designer bags, prosecutors allege.
None of the victims were named but the dates and circumstances matched widely reported break-ins at the homes of the stars.
The thefts made headlines in 2024 when Kelce and Mahomes’ homes were both ransacked as they were away from home to play the New Orleans Saints.
Items stolen from Taylor Swift’s then-boyfriend Kelce reportedly included the jersey he wore in his first Super Bowl win with the Chiefs.
The extradition request to the Argentinean authorities was signed by Assistant US Attorney Daniel Baeza and Magistrate Judge Anthony E. Porcelli for the Middle District of Florida.
It was forwarded, along with an FBI affidavit which describes both suspects as members of a “South American theft group,” to Argentinian judge Sebastián Ramos, according to a well-placed official source.
The complaint against Zúñiga Cartés and Jiménez Freraut –– filed in January 2025 –– alleges that the burglary crew timed their break-ins to coincide with athletes’ away games between October and December 2024.
Despite allegedly operating all over the US, the gang was charged in Florida after at least one burglary took place there at the home of a Tampa Bay Buccaneers player in in October 2024.
On at least one occasion, one of the conspirators rented a vehicle in Florida, took it across state lines and returned to the Sunshine State, according to the complaint.
The seven defendants in the US case are charged with conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property.
Zúñiga Cartés and Jiménez Freraut are also charged with aggravated robbery by forced entry in Argentina and remain remanded in custody in the notorious maximum security Marcos Paz prison in Buenos Aires province, which is known to house major drug traffickers and sex offenders.
Under Argentine law, they could face 3 to 10 years in prison if found guilty.
Former US Open winner Del Potro’s home in the Don Bosco area of Tandil, in Buenos Aires province, was ransacked in broad daylight on May 15, cops said.
The thieves took a gold chain, wedding ring, tennis rackets and sports watches, according to investigators.
Two other Chilean men and an Argentinean man were also reportedly arrested in connection with the theft at Del Potro’s property.
Prosecutors believe Zúñiga Cartés and Jiménez Freraut entered Argentina in April, with case sources saying the evidence against them is “robust to say the least”.
The request for them to be remanded in custody included CCTV footage allegedly showing the gang returning from the burglary and pictures of the stolen goods found on their phones.
There were also alleged text messages warning other members of the gang that Zúñiga Cartés and Jiménez Freraut had been arrested.
Under Argentine law, defendants must have their matters in that country dealt with before any extradition request can be fulfilled.
Their defense lawyer Barba told The Post that the process could take “up to 2 years”.
The Post asked the Department of Justice for comment.
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