Mexican authorities have announced a major seizure of assets, including Olympic medals and methamphetamine, in a series of raids connected to former Canadian Olympic snowboarder Ryan Wedding. The 44-year-old is now one of the FBI's ten most-wanted fugitives, with a staggering $15 million reward offered for his arrest.
From Olympic Slopes to Alleged Drug Empire
Ryan Wedding represented Canada in snowboarding at the 2002 Winter Games in Salt Lake City, though he did not win a medal, finishing 24th in the parallel giant slalom. His life took a stark turn, with the FBI now accusing him of leading a billion-dollar international drug-smuggling operation and orchestrating multiple murders. He has been wanted since October 2024.
FBI Director Kash Patel has labelled Wedding a 'modern-day iteration of Pablo Escobar', responsible for engineering a narco-trafficking and terrorism programme unseen in years. US Attorney General Pam Bondi stated he controls 'one of the most prolific and violent drug trafficking organisations in the world'.
Christmas Raids Uncover Mysterious Haul
In a significant development over the Christmas period, operatives launched raids on four properties in the Mexico City area. The seized items paint a picture of vast wealth and illicit activity:
- 62 motorbikes and two vehicles
- Methamphetamine and marijuana
- Two Olympic medals
- Ammunition
- Numerous works of art
The origin of the Olympic medals remains unclear, given Wedding's own non-podium finish. The US Treasury Department claims Wedding built a 'complex web' of assets, using luxury items, properties, cryptocurrency, and front businesses to hide his wealth.
Manhunt Intensifies with Surgery Claims and Legal Fallout
Wedding is believed to be living in Mexico under the protection of the notorious Sinaloa Cartel. Authorities have suggested there is 'some evidence' he underwent cosmetic surgery to alter his appearance and evade capture. The FBI has released a new photo believed to be of him in Mexico in the summer.
In total, Wedding faces eight felony charges, including three counts of murder and one of attempted murder. The legal net is also widening in Canada, where lawyer Deepak Paradkar, 62, was granted $5.25 million bail. Paradkar was arrested in November, accused of advising Wedding to kill a key witness, and now faces extradition to the US on conspiracy to commit murder charges.
As the international manhunt continues, the raids represent a tangible blow to the alleged empire of a man who traded the prestige of the Olympic Games for a life on the FBI's most-wanted list.
