In a shocking development that has rocked the sports world, former Canadian Olympic snowboarder Ryan James Wedding has been indicted by US authorities on serious charges including murder, money laundering, and large-scale drug trafficking. The 44-year-old athlete is now on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted list with a record $15 million reward for information leading to his arrest.
From Olympic Slopes to International Crime
US law enforcement officials unsealed the indictment on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, revealing the extensive criminal allegations against the former Olympian. Attorney General Pam Bondi described Wedding as "one of the most prolific and violent drug trafficking organizers in the world" during a joint announcement in Washington, D.C.
The indictment alleges that Wedding operates as the largest distributor of cocaine in Canada, importing approximately 60 metric tons of cocaine into the United States annually. His criminal enterprise reportedly generates an estimated $1 billion in revenue each year, positioning him as a major player in international narcotics trafficking.
Cartel Connections and Violent Crimes
Authorities have revealed that Wedding maintains close ties with the notorious Mexico-based Sinaloa cartel, which they claim is "closely protecting him" as he expands his network across North America. FBI Director Kash Patel characterized Wedding's operation as a "narco-terrorism program we have not seen in a long time."
In one of the most serious allegations, prosecutors accuse Wedding of ordering the murder of a federal witness in Colombia. The witness was shot dead inside a Medellín restaurant before being able to testify against the former athlete. A separate $2 million reward is being offered for information about those responsible for this killing.
Unprecedented FBI Reward and Financial Crackdown
The FBI has taken the extraordinary step of offering a $15 million reward for information leading to Wedding's capture, one of the highest bounties ever placed on a fugitive connected to narcotics trafficking. Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence John K. Hurley announced that authorities are moving to disrupt the financial networks supporting Wedding's operations.
During the multi-year investigation, law enforcement has already recovered substantial assets including $3.2 million in cryptocurrency and over $13 million in physical assets. The probe has resulted in indictments against more than 35 people connected to the crime syndicate.
Attorney General Bondi emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that "drugs are killing our kids, our friends, our relatives—and this guy is responsible for a tremendous amount of that horror." She vowed that the Justice Department would use every available tool to apprehend what she called "these monsters."
The case represents a dramatic fall from grace for the former Olympic athlete, who once competed on the world stage and now faces allegations of running one of the most dangerous drug trafficking networks operating today.
