Police believe the mastermind responsible for the violent break in at Chris Brown's LA-area mansion early Wednesday morning was in club promotion, and knew Breezy had just received a 50k payment for a club appearance.

Brown's aunt, who was shoved into a closet during the robbery, has told the authorities that the three masked thieves let slip that they were aware whose house it was and the 50 grand.

Police say only a few people knew about the cash. They also think some or all of the armed men knew Brown, because they seemed to be aware of the home's layout. (Brown is known for inviting random people over for late night fun.)

Brown was at the Hollywood club Argyle during the break in, and law enforcement suspect that the thieves had someone tail Brown when he left for the evening, and then make sure he was still in the club when the robbery went down.

So far no suspects have been named, but it seems like they're closing in.