Ryan Wedding, a former Olympic snowboarder, is facing new federal charges for allegedly ordering the murder of a witness in his drug trafficking case, with indictments unsealed today revealing he used a website to target the individual.
In a significant development, U.S. authorities announced on Wednesday that Ryan James Wedding, a Canadian national and ex-Olympian, has been charged with murder, witness tampering, and other offenses related to the killing of a federal witness. The unsealed indictment alleges that Wedding “placed a bounty” on the witness, believing it would dismiss charges against him and his international drug ring. This move underscores the extreme measures taken to silence opposition in high-stakes criminal cases.
The witness was located through a Canadian website where Wedding posted images of him and his wife, leading to the victim being fatally shot at a restaurant before he could testify. Officials described this act as a “cruel, cold-blooded” attempt to obstruct justice, with the murder occurring earlier this year in Colombia. The indictment details how Wedding orchestrated the hit in the erroneous belief that it would halt legal proceedings against his organization.
Wedding’s drug-trafficking organization is accused of being one of the most prolific and violent globally, importing around 60 metric tons of cocaine annually into Los Angeles from Mexico. Attorney General Pam Bondi stated that he controls a vast network, making him the largest cocaine distributor in Canada, with operations spanning multiple countries. The group has been linked to numerous acts of violence, including other murders, as part of its criminal enterprise.
The FBI has heightened efforts to capture Wedding, increasing the reward for information to $15 million and keeping him on the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list. FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized that Wedding is a “modern-day iteration of Pablo Escobar” and warned that he might be altering his appearance with cartel protection in Mexico. Authorities believe he is evading capture with the help of associates, highlighting the challenges in apprehending high-profile fugitives.
Alongside Wedding, ten others have been arrested in the federal indictment, including a Canadian lawyer implicated in the murder plot. The broader investigation has led to over 35 indictments, seizure of weapons, recovery of $3.2 million in cryptocurrency, and confiscation of $13 million in assets. These outcomes demonstrate the extensive reach of Wedding’s operations and the coordinated law enforcement response to dismantle his network.
Wedding’s background as a snowboarder who competed for Canada in the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics contrasts sharply with his alleged descent into crime. The case underscores the pervasive issues of transnational drug networks and the risks faced by witnesses, with authorities vowing to pursue justice relentlessly. It also raises questions about how individuals with public profiles can become involved in serious criminal activities.
Moving forward, law enforcement agencies are coordinating internationally to apprehend Wedding, with public appeals for tips on his location. The increased reward and ongoing manhunt reflect the seriousness of the charges and the determination to hold him accountable for the murder and drug trafficking. Officials urge anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing that no one is above the law.
