Former Canadian Olympic snowboarder Ryan Wedding has been officially added to the FBI’s Most Wanted list, facing serious accusations of running an international drug trafficking cartel and ordering multiple murders linked to his billion-dollar criminal empire. U.S. authorities are now offering a $10 million (€9.2 million) reward for any information leading to Wedding’s arrest.
Who is Ryan Wedding?
Wedding, aged 43, once represented Canada at the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics, where he competed in the parallel giant slalom event, finishing in 24th place. However, after his sports career ended, authorities allege that Wedding transitioned from the slopes to the dangerous world of global drug smuggling and organized crime.
The FBI’s “Operation Giant Slalom”
The FBI’s ongoing investigation, known as Operation Giant Slalom, uncovered that Wedding, also known by the aliases “El Jefe,” “Giant,” and “Public Enemy,” allegedly managed a transnational drug network trafficking over 60 tonnes of Colombian cocaine annually. The drugs were moved using long-haul semi-trucks across Mexico, the United States, and Canada, generating billions of dollars in illicit profits.
Accusations of Murder and Organized Crime
Wedding is also accused of orchestrating at least four murders, including the tragic killing of two innocent family members in Canada, reportedly due to a mistaken identity revenge attack over a stolen cocaine shipment. The U.S. Department of Justice formally charged Wedding with multiple counts of murder, drug trafficking, and leading a criminal enterprise.
“Wedding went from competing at the Olympics to running a deadly drug cartel,” said Akil Davis, Assistant Director of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “His involvement in brutal murders and massive drug operations makes him an extraordinary threat.“
Wedding Considered Armed and Dangerous
According to the FBI, Wedding is believed to be hiding in Mexico and is considered “armed and dangerous.” Authorities warn the public not to approach him but to report any sightings immediately.
$10 Million Reward for Capture
To assist in capturing Wedding, the U.S. State Department has offered a $10 million reward for credible information that leads directly to his arrest. Officials emphasize that Wedding’s capture is a top priority due to the scale of his criminal activities.
Arrests and Ongoing Investigation
The FBI has already arrested 12 individuals connected to the case as part of the wider investigation into Wedding’s network. U.S. authorities say the probe into the massive drug operation and related murders is still ongoing, with more arrests expected.
A Fall from Olympic Glory
Once a celebrated athlete on the world stage, Wedding’s downfall marks one of the most shocking transitions from Olympic sports hero to one of the world’s most wanted criminals. His journey from representing his country at the Olympics to allegedly leading one of North America’s largest cocaine smuggling operations has stunned both the sporting world and law enforcement agencies.