Former Olympian Ryan Wedding charged with ordering murder of federal witness in unsealed indictment
In a stunning development that underscores the insidious reach of international organized crime, former Canadian Olympian Ryan Wedding, once a celebrated figure in the world of snowboarding, has been formally charged in a newly unsealed federal grand jury indictment with ordering the murder of a federal witness in January 2025. The U.S. Department of Justice unveiled the charges, revealing a chilling narrative of betrayal, intimidation, and high-stakes drug trafficking that places the 44-year-old Canadian national, residing in Mexico, at the apex of a violent criminal enterprise.
The indictment, brought forth by a federal grand jury, names Wedding as the lead defendant and expands the scope of his alleged criminal activities to include two additional counts of witness tampering and intimidation, murder, money laundering, and drug trafficking. Several other individuals, whose roles are yet to be fully detailed but are described as co-conspirators, were also implicated in the expansive document, painting a picture of a sophisticated network operating across international borders.
According to court documents, the gravity of the charges against Wedding stems from his alleged decision to issue a "multimillion-dollar bounty" on a federal witness, identified only as Victim A. This witness had been crucial to a 2024 federal narcotics case against Wedding, making their testimony a significant threat to his illicit operations. The indictment asserts that Wedding leveraged his vast criminal network to enlist the services of other defendants, tasking them with locating and ultimately executing Victim A in Colombia.
Acting United States Attorney Bill Essayli, speaking at a Wednesday morning news conference, minced no words in condemning the alleged act. "The murder of a witness in Colombia earlier this year was a cruel, cold-blooded act that could not and did not go unanswered," Essayli stated, emphasizing the federal government’s unwavering commitment to protecting those who cooperate with law enforcement, regardless of where they are in the world. The announcement was made as part of the government’s second phase of a massive law enforcement initiative dubbed "Operation Giant Slalom," a name that eerily harks back to Wedding’s past as a competitive athlete.
"Operation Giant Slalom" is described by Akil Davis, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office, as a "dynamic international investigation." He highlighted the dedicated partnership and collaboration among multiple countries, all sharing a common objective: to apprehend Wedding, secure justice for multiple murder victims—including the cooperating witness—and dismantle the deadly drug networks plaguing communities across North America. The phrase "several murder victims" suggests the investigation into Wedding’s organization may uncover further atrocities beyond the current charges.
Wedding’s descent into a life of crime has been a long and troubling one. He famously competed for the Canadian national team in the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympic Games, a period when he represented the pinnacle of athletic achievement. However, his post-Olympic life took a dark turn, culminating in a 2010 conviction for attempting to buy cocaine from a U.S. government agent. This earlier conviction was a harbinger of the much larger and more violent criminal enterprise he is now accused of leading.
Indeed, Wedding is not only wanted for the witness murder but also for allegedly orchestrating a vast transnational drug trafficking network. This network, federal officials assert, routinely shipped hundreds of kilograms of cocaine, primarily sourcing it from Colombia, moving it through Mexico and Southern California, and distributing it to Canada and other parts of the U.S. The sheer scale of the operation is staggering, illustrating the level of sophistication and ruthlessness required to sustain such an illicit empire. In a testament to the severity of his alleged crimes and the urgency of his capture, Wedding was added to the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted List in March, making him one of the highest-priority fugitives sought by U.S. authorities.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi, during the news conference, characterized Wedding as the leader of one of the "most prolific and violent drug trafficking organizations in this world." Her statements painted a grim picture of an organization responsible for "importing about 60 metric tons of cocaine a year into LA via semi-trucks from Mexico." This staggering volume of narcotics not only fuels addiction and violence but also represents a monumental logistical challenge for a criminal enterprise to manage, highlighting Wedding’s alleged organizational prowess in the underworld. The attorney general’s remarks underscore the immense impact Wedding’s alleged network had on drug markets and public safety across the continent.
The comprehensive investigation into Wedding’s alleged drug organization has yielded significant results, demonstrating the coordinated efforts of law enforcement agencies. Over the course of the probe, a total of 35 individuals have been indicted, signifying a broad takedown of key players within the network. Furthermore, authorities have seized an impressive 2,000 kilograms of illicit drugs, preventing a substantial amount of narcotics from reaching communities. Numerous weapons, often intrinsically linked to drug trafficking for protection and enforcement, have also been recovered. In a modern twist to criminal asset forfeiture, $3.2 million in cryptocurrency has been successfully traced and recovered, showcasing the evolving methods criminals use to hide their wealth and the sophisticated tools law enforcement now employs to track it.
The legal consequences for Wedding and his co-defendants, if convicted of the charges related to the witness’s murder, are severe. The U.S. Department of Justice stated that they could face a maximum sentence of life in federal prison, a fate that reflects the ultimate penalty for crimes of such extreme violence and disregard for the judicial process. This potential sentence serves as a stark warning to others who might consider intimidating or harming witnesses in federal cases.
Chris Landberg, Senior Bureau Official for the Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, delivered a powerful message that resonated with the sentiments of all law enforcement officials present: "No one, not even a former Olympian, is above the law." This statement encapsulates the core principle of justice, emphasizing that past achievements or public recognition do not grant immunity from accountability for grave criminal acts.
In an effort to expedite Wedding’s capture, the U.S. Department of State’s Narcotics Rewards Program is offering a substantial reward of up to $15 million. This unprecedented sum is available for information that directly leads to Wedding’s arrest or conviction, signaling the high priority placed on bringing him to justice. The international nature of the reward program reflects the global pursuit of Wedding, who is believed to be leveraging his connections in Mexico and possibly other countries to evade capture.
The authorities are making a direct appeal to the public for assistance. Anyone possessing information regarding Ryan Wedding or his associates is strongly urged to contact the FBI. To facilitate discreet and secure communication, tips can be submitted via WhatsApp, Signal, or Telegram (though it is noted these are neither government-operated nor government-controlled platforms) at (424) 495-0614. Alternatively, individuals can reach out to their local FBI office, the nearest American Embassy or Consulate, or submit a tip online through the official FBI website at tips.fbi.gov. The collaborative effort across multiple agencies and the international community underscores the unwavering resolve to apprehend Ryan Wedding and dismantle his dangerous network, ensuring that justice is served for all victims and that the rule of law prevails. The story of Ryan Wedding serves as a cautionary tale of how ambition can be tragically corrupted, leading from the Olympic podium to the FBI’s Most Wanted List and charges of cold-blooded murder.
