23.01.2026 20:20
The incredible escape that stretched from the ski slopes to the FBI's 'Most Wanted' list has come to an end. Former snowboarder Ryan Wedding, who competed under the Canadian flag at the 2002 Winter Olympics, is now known not for his athletic achievements but as the architect of a billion-dollar drug network. Wedding, for whom the FBI has placed a $15 million reward for capture and included among the top 10 most dangerous fugitives, was apprehended in an intercontinental operation despite cartel protection in Mexico.
Former snowboarder Ryan Wedding, who has been on the FBI's "Most Wanted 10 Fugitives" list for a long time and has a reward of 15 million dollars on his head, was captured in a large-scale operation.
FROM THE PEAK TO THE CENTER OF THE CRIMINAL UNDERWORLD
Ryan Wedding, who competed for Canada in the 2002 Winter Olympics and rose to 24th place in the world rankings, changed his course to a completely different direction after his sports career. Authorities state that Wedding is not only a fugitive but also the brain of a massive intercontinental crime network. It has been revealed that this organization, which was dismantled through operations covering the USA, Canada, Mexico, and Colombia, is linked to serious crimes such as cocaine trafficking, organized crime leadership, and murder.
BILLION-DOLLAR DRUG NETWORK
According to data previously shared by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, the criminal organization led by Wedding was generating over 1 billion dollars in illegal revenue annually. The former athlete, who was found to be in Mexico during his escape, was believed to be hiding under the protection of the Sinaloa cartel, one of the most dangerous organizations in the world.
A REWARD OF 15 MILLION DOLLARS WAS PLACED ON HIS HEAD
The capture of Wedding, classified as "extremely dangerous" by the FBI and for whom a fortune-sized reward was placed for his capture, is considered a significant victory for international law enforcement agencies. This extraordinary adventure, which spans from parallel giant slalom courses to the list of the world's most wanted fugitives, has come to an end with the large-scale operation conducted.