Keanu Reeves
Keanu Reeves AFP

Keanu Reeves' name is back in the headlines, but this time it's not for a new movie or an act of quiet generosity. It's about time, literally!

Nearly two years after a group of international thieves broke into his Los Angeles home and stole six luxury watches, Chilean police have recovered them during a massive raid in Santiago. Among them? A Rolex that carries far more emotional weight than its price tag suggests.

A Burglary That Hit More Than the Safe

Back in December 2023, Reeves returned to his Hollywood Hills home to find it ransacked. Thieves had disabled the alarm system, climbed in through a window, and made off with a high-value haul: luxury watches, some personal documents, and a few collector's items only serious Keanu fans would recognize.

At the time, sources close to the actor said the break-in shook him deeply, not because of the money lost, but because of what was taken. One of the stolen watches had been a gift from a stuntman friend who passed away shortly after John Wick: Chapter 4 wrapped. Another was a Rolex Submariner engraved with the initials "JW4" and the words "The journey continues," a quiet nod to his character's legacy.

It wasn't just theft. It was a personal violation.

Fast forward to July 2025. In a joint operation with the FBI, Chilean authorities conducted a series of raids that dismantled a sophisticated crime ring operating out of Santiago. Among the dozens of items recovered were designer bags, electronics, and yes, six luxury watches matching the serial numbers of those stolen from Reeves.

The standout piece? That same Rolex Submariner. Still in perfect condition, still bearing the custom engraving.

Reeves, known for being low-key and almost painfully private, confirmed through his representatives that he had identified the watches and was "grateful to see them returned." The FBI is currently handling their repatriation to Los Angeles.

While many Hollywood stars own dozens of high-end timepieces, insiders say this particular Rolex was one of the few items Keanu kept close on every major film shoot since 2015. It was gifted to him by a longtime friend and member of his stunt team, who passed away after suffering injuries unrelated to the film industry.

The Bigger Picture: International Theft Rings

The recovery also points to a growing problem plaguing wealthy homeowners across the U.S.: international robbery tourism. The group behind the Reeves burglary is suspected to be part of a larger Chilean network known for exploiting visa waivers to enter the United States, burglarize high-end homes, and fly back before detection.

Authorities say this ring is responsible for dozens of burglaries in Los Angeles, New York, and Florida, often targeting celebrities and professional athletes. Reeves was one of several high-profile victims.

But this case may mark a turning point. Thanks to collaboration between U.S. and Chilean law enforcement, authorities are now building stronger databases to track items like luxury watches, making it harder for stolen goods to cross borders undetected.

What Happens Now?

The FBI is expected to return the watches to Reeves later this month, once legal procedures are finalized. No word yet on whether he'll speak publicly about the recovery, but those close to him say he's relieved and more focused than ever on personal security.

Meanwhile, the Rolex Submariner that once served as a symbol of friendship and memory now carries an extra layer of meaning. It made its way from a Hollywood safe into criminal hands, across international borders, and back, without ever losing its value to the man who wore it.

© 2025 Latin Times. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.