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Ryan Wedding: Ex-Canadian Olympic Snowboarder Indicted for Murder, Drug Trafficking – FBI Offers $15M Reward
In a stunning development, Ryan Wedding, a former Canadian Olympic snowboarder, has been indicted in the U.S. for murder and large-scale drug trafficking. The FBI has issued a $15 million reward for information leading to his capture—one of the highest bounties in recent history. The case has shocked the sports world, as Wedding was once a celebrated athlete in Canada.
From Olympic Hero to Wanted Fugitive
Ryan Wedding, 38, competed for Canada in the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, narrowly missing a medal in snowboard cross. After retiring in 2014, he disappeared from the public eye—until now. The FBI alleges he became the leader of a transnational drug cartel, smuggling cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine across the U.S.-Canada border.
Investigators link Wedding to multiple murders, including the execution-style killing of a rival drug trafficker in Washington state. Court documents reveal he has been under surveillance since 2018, with evidence from wiretaps and undercover operations.
FBI’s Charges and Manhunt
The U.S. Department of Justice unsealed a 27-count indictment against Wedding, including:
– Drug trafficking conspiracy (500+ kg cocaine, 10 kg fentanyl)
– Murder in aid of racketeering (3+ killings)
– Money laundering ($50M+ in illicit funds)
– Illegal firearms trafficking
The FBI warns Wedding is “armed and extremely dangerous”, with possible ties to Mexican cartels. His last known location was Tijuana, Mexico, in late 2023.
Why the $15M Reward?
The massive bounty reflects Wedding’s global connections and evasion skills. An FBI insider noted:
“His Olympic background gives him mobility, language skills, and a network that makes him dangerous.”
This reward is the largest since the $25M bounty for ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in 2019.
Canada Reacts to the Scandal
Wedding’s alleged crimes have stunned former teammates. Olympic gold medalist Maëlle Ricker said:
“This isn’t the Ryan we knew.”
Canadian authorities are cooperating with the U.S., but Wedding’s ties to local crime networks remain unclear.
What’s Next in the Manhunt?
The FBI is working with Interpol and Mexican police to track Wedding. Tips can be submitted via:
🔹 FBI Hotline: 1-800-CALL-FBI
🔹 Online Tip Form: FBI.gov/tips
As the search continues, questions arise: Was Wedding forced into crime? Did financial struggles after retirement play a role? Or was he involved in illegal activities during his sports career?
One thing is certain—Ryan Wedding’s story has taken a dark turn from Olympic glory to America’s Most Wanted.
Stay updated on this breaking story. (Sources: FBI.gov, DOJ, Canadian Olympic Committee)
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