U.S. Authorities Offer $10 Million Bounty for Capture of Canadian Olympic Snowboarder Accused of Leading International Cocaine Empire

Former Olympic Snowboarder Ryan Wedding Added to FBI’s Most Wanted Fugitives List

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has announced that Canadian Ryan Wedding, a former Olympic snowboarder, has been added to the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list in an effort to capture him sooner.

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs has offered a $10 million reward under the “Narcotics Rewards Program (NRP)” for any information that leads to Wedding’s capture, according to their statement.

Wedding’s Rise to Notoriety

“Wedding went from shredding powder on the slopes at the Olympics to distributing powder cocaine on the streets of U.S. cities and in his native Canada,” said Akil Davis, assistant director of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office.

Criminal Charges and Allegations

In October 2024, the Department of Justice (DOJ) filed criminal charges against Wedding and 15 other defendants, accusing them of leading the syndicate and committing multiple atrocities as part of their trafficking efforts.

U.S. authorities claim Wedding allegedly used his criminal organization to smuggle hundreds of kilograms of cocaine and fentanyl into North America while orchestrating numerous murders to protect his business.

Laundering Money with Tether (USDT)

The former Olympian allegedly used Tether (USDT), the largest stablecoin by market cap, to launder money and bypass traditional banking systems.

Additional Allegations and Murders

Along with his co-conspirator Andrew Clark, Wedding allegedly ordered the murders of those who stood in their way, including a family targeted in Ontario, Canada, in 2023.

Clark, who was arrested in Mexico, is facing charges, but according to authorities, Wedding remains on the run, believed to be hiding in Mexico under the protection of the Sinaloa cartel.

Potential Sentences

If convicted, he and Clark face a mandatory minimum penalty of life in federal prison for their roles in running a continuing criminal enterprise.

The murder and attempted murder charges carry mandatory minimum sentences of 20 years, while the drug trafficking charges could result in prison sentences of 10 to 15 years.

Investigation and Reward

Aside from the $10 million reward from the State Department, the bounty also includes the FBI’s previously announced $50,000 reward for tips leading directly to Wedding’s capture.

Crypto in International and Domestic Crime

The FBI’s investigation into Wedding’s operation provides ammunition for those who say crypto is increasingly used in international and domestic crime.

Tether’s Involvement in Illicit Activities

A November report revealed Mexican drug cartels, including Sinaloa, rely on Tether to move illicit funds quickly across borders.

This crypto, known for its stability and ease of transfer, has become a favorite tool for money laundering and illegal transactions.

Conclusion

The case of Ryan Wedding highlights the growing role of crypto in international and domestic crime, with Tether being a preferred method for money laundering and illegal transactions.

FAQs

Q: Who is Ryan Wedding?

Ryan Wedding is a former Canadian Olympic snowboarder accused of leading an international cocaine empire.

Q: What is the reward for information leading to his capture?

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs has offered a $10 million reward under the “Narcotics Rewards Program (NRP)” for any information that leads to Wedding’s capture.

Q: What is Tether (USDT)?

Tether (USDT) is a stablecoin that is used to launder money and bypass traditional banking systems.

Q: What is the potential sentence for Wedding and his co-conspirator?

If convicted, they face a mandatory minimum penalty of life in federal prison for their roles in running a continuing criminal enterprise.