Former Olympic Snowboarder Ryan James Wedding has been charged with murder and money laundering, according to U.S. law enforcement authorities. The ex-snowboarder, who represented Canada in the 2002 Winter Olympics, is currently on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives List. This shocking development was revealed by Attorney General Pam Bondi on Wednesday, Nov. 19.
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Wedding stands accused of being involved in a large-scale drug trafficking organization and is alleged to have orchestrated the killing of a witness. The Department of Justice stated that Wedding ordered the murder of a federal witness who was slated to testify against him. The witness was tragically shot five times at a restaurant in Colombia before being able to provide testimony, as disclosed by Attorney General Pam Bondi during a press conference in Washington, D.C.
The former snowboarder had previously faced indictment in 2024 for his role in running an extensive drug operation and directing the killings of two individuals in Canada over a stolen drug shipment. Wedding’s significant importance in the drug-trafficking world was highlighted by Bondi, who described him as “controlling one of the most prolific and violent drug-trafficking organizations.”
It has been revealed that Wedding is believed to be residing in Mexico and collaborating closely with the Sinoloa drug cartel. Reports indicate that he operates under various aliases, numbering at least 32. Federal officials are offering a substantial $15 million reward for any information leading to Wedding’s arrest, emphasising the severity of the charges against him.
In a recent crackdown on Wedding’s criminal network, ten individuals associated with his operations were apprehended on Nov. 18. Among those detained were Deepak Paradkar, a criminal barrister accused of strategizing the witness execution to impede Wedding’s extradition to the U.S. Additionally, Gursewak Singh Bal, who allegedly managed a news platform that facilitated the identification of the witness for Wedding, and Edwin Basora-Hernandez, a Canadian reggaeton musician who reportedly assisted in locating the victim, were also arrested.
The case involving Wedding has sent shockwaves through the international law enforcement community due to the high stakes involved and the magnitude of the alleged crimes. With Wedding’s connections to powerful drug cartels and his involvement in orchestrating witness murders, authorities are working diligently to bring him to justice and dismantle his criminal empire.
The FBI’s determination to apprehend Wedding is evident in the significant reward being offered for information leading to his capture. The collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies in multiple countries signify the gravity of his alleged offences and the importance of holding him accountable for his actions.
As the investigation into Wedding’s activities continues, the global spotlight remains on the challenges posed by transnational drug trafficking networks and the individuals behind them. The pursuit of justice in this case serves as a poignant reminder of the dedicated efforts of law enforcement to combat organized crime and uphold the principles of justice and accountability.
It is imperative for authorities to remain vigilant in tracking down individuals like Ryan James Wedding to ensure the safety and security of communities worldwide. The unfolding developments in this case underscore the critical need for international cooperation in combating organized crime and bringing perpetrators to justice.
Illegal drug trafficking remains a significant threat to societies across the globe, and cases like the one involving Wedding highlight the complexities and dangers associated with such illicit activities. By actively pursuing individuals involved in these criminal enterprises, law enforcement agencies are working to disrupt illegal networks and prevent further harm to individuals and communities affected by drug-related crimes.