Former Olympic snowboarder Ryan James Wedding, aged 44, has been indicted on serious charges, including murder and money laundering. This significant development was announced on November 19 by U.S. law enforcement officials, including Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel.
Details of the Indictment
The indictment stems from accusations involving a transnational criminal enterprise linked to extensive drug trafficking operations. Wedding, a Canadian national, is currently one of the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted fugitives. He is considered a major threat to public safety, described by Bondi as “one of the most prolific and violent drug trafficking organizers in the world.”
Charges Against Wedding
Ryan Wedding faces several charges related to his criminal activities:
- Conspiracy to distribute and possess cocaine.
- Conspiracy to export cocaine.
- Murder in connection with a criminal enterprise and drug crime.
- Witness tampering.
- Money laundering.
Operational Scope
Wedding’s organization is responsible for trafficking approximately 60 metric tons of cocaine from Mexico into the United States annually, generating revenues of around one billion dollars. His criminal network reportedly collaborates with the Sinaloa cartel, one of the most notorious drug trafficking organizations.
Allegations of Violence
One of the most alarming allegations against Wedding involves the murder of a federal witness. This individual was killed in a Medellin, Colombia restaurant prior to being able to testify against him. A $2 million reward has been announced for information leading to the apprehension of those implicated in this murder.
Ongoing Investigations
Law enforcement has made substantial recoveries during the investigation. Authorities have seized almost $3.2 million in cryptocurrency and over $13 million in tangible assets linked to Wedding’s operations. Bondi emphasized the devastating impact of drug trafficking, stating, “Drugs are killing our kids…Our relatives, and this guy is responsible for a tremendous amount of that horror.”
Public Assistance Requested
The FBI has offered a reward of $15 million for information leading to Wedding’s capture. Wedding is described as a white male, approximately 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing between 230 and 250 pounds. He is known to travel frequently to Mexico and speaks both English and Spanish.
Authorities urge anyone with information regarding Wedding’s whereabouts to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALLFBI or visit tipsfbi.gov. The resolution of this case is seen as crucial in the ongoing battle against drug trafficking in the United States.
