Ryan James Wedding used to stand tall at the Olympics, flying Canada’s flag abroad. Yet today, he’s hunted by the FBI – named among their top ten fugitives. Charges? Running drugs, leading gangs, even plotting killings. A cool fifteen million bucks will get him caught, sparking headlines worldwide. People can’t wrap their heads around it – how a once-honored sports star slipped into a brutal underground empire.
This article breaks down his journey from early success and Olympic fame to becoming a fugitive wanted across multiple countries.
A Promising Beginning in the World of Sports
Born in Thunder Bay, Ontario on September 14, 1981, Ryan Wedding was raised where snow sports were part of daily life. Snowboarding hooked him early, yet his skill level pulled him straight into national competitions across Canada. Then came 2002 – his breakthrough hit when he competed for Canada at the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, racing in the men’s Parallel Giant Slalom.
Even though he missed a medal, just being at the Olympics is something hardly anyone gets to do. Back then, Wedding’s path looked bright – a rising sportsman ready to leave his trace.
Yet once the Olympics ended, his athletic journey stalled. He left elite contests behind; in the years that followed, things spiraled into rougher territory.
The Shift From Sports to Crime
After the Olympics, Ryan Wedding got mixed up in shady groups. Reports show he later took charge of a major drug operation spanning Canada, the U.S., Mexico, yet Colombia.
Feds say he got tangled up with drug gangs across the Americas, hooking up with top crime networks. Little by little, Wedding supposedly set up a web for shipping tons of coke – using hidden routes and middlemen to keep it flowing
From Colombia
Through Mexico
Into Southern California
Then throughout Canada but also the U.S.
This wasn’t just some petty crime setup. Authorities say his crew moved tons of coke, plus raked in big cash – like millions – from shady deals. On top of that, he supposedly leaned on threats and force to stay on top – even killing people.
This sudden turn in his path keeps surprising folks across Canada who remember him from his days as a winter sports star.
U.S. Department of Justice press release: “10 Arrested in Federal Indictment Charging Olympic Athlete-Turned-Cocaine Trafficker with Ordering Murder of Witness in January” — Justice.gov
Charges of Murder and Connection With Cartels
A top charge tied to Wedding? He allegedly had a federal witness killed. The person was ready to speak up about his drug crew, which put the whole operation at risk – so he became a target.
The killing, said to happen in early 2025, shifted the whole probe. Officials from the U.S. claimed Wedding called for it while staying abroad, showing how far his crew could go – cold and unbothered by borders.
Officials think he’s linked to gangs in Mexico – like the well-known Sinaloa group, a major player in global drug smuggling. Because of these links, sources say, he stayed hidden easier and had backup when needed.
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International Manhunt and the $15 Million Reward
In March 2025, the FBI added Ryan Wedding to its Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list – now he’s among North America’s top targets. Inclusion on this list happens only for suspects seen as highly risky or tough to catch.
The U.S. government started with a $10 million payout for tips that led to his capture. Then, when fresh proof came up – like murder accusations – the bounty jumped to $15 million.
This pushes his bounty into the upper tier of FBI payouts – showing just how dangerous they think he is.
Now officials think he’s probably lying low in Mexico, but haven’t crossed off spots farther south. The FBI’s teamed up with U.S. Marshals, Canada’s Mounties, plus Mexican agents – all chasing leads across borders.
Operation Giant Slalom and Multiple Arrests
The probe into Wedding’s network spans many nations, hitting multiple spots worldwide. Police forces nabbed lots of people tied to his suspected narcotics operation – some caught in places like:
- Canada
- The United States
- Mexico
- Colombia
His network was hit by a move unofficially called Giant Slab, tied to his time in the Winter Games. That shows how his old sports fame is now rolled into a big probe’s nickname.
Though several people linked to him got caught, Weddings still missing maybe because he is backed by powerful networks or hidden well. Some think it shows how much support he might actually have.
FBI news story: “Reward Raised for Ten Most Wanted Fugitive Ryan Wedding” — FBI.gov
Why This Case Captures Global Attention
Several factors make the Ryan Wedding case stand out:
1. The extreme contrast
He went from proudly wearing Canada’s flag at the Olympics to directing an international criminal organization. That transformation fascinates and confuses the public.
2. The scale of criminal activity
Authorities say his network trafficked massive amounts of cocaine and laundered millions of dollars across borders.
3. Violence linked to organized crime
He is not just accused of drugs but also of ordering murder—something far more serious and alarming.
4. International impact
His alleged activities affected law enforcement and public safety across several countries.
5. Rare nature of his case
It is extremely unusual for an Olympian to end up on the FBI’s Most Wanted list, making this case globally newsworthy.
Additional coverage: Al Jazeera article: “US raises reward …” — AlJazeera.com
Key Timeline of Events
Below is a clear timeline summarizing his rise and downfall:
- 1981: Born in Thunder Bay, Ontario
- Early 2000s: Became part of Canada’s national snowboard team
- 2002: Competed in Winter Olympics (Parallel Giant Slalom)
- 2008–2010: Served jail time in the U.S. related to a cocaine purchase attempt
- 2024: New investigations begin into his suspected drug operations
- Early 2025: Alleged ordering of a witness’s murder
- March 2025: Added to FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list
- November 2025: Reward increased to $15 million
- Present: Considered armed, dangerous, and still at large
What Remains Unknown
Despite major progress in investigating his network, several mysteries continue:
- His exact current location
- Whether he has active cartel protection
- How he built such a large network after leaving sports
- Whether he will eventually be captured or remain a long-term fugitive
Law enforcement says the investigation is ongoing and developing rapidly.
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A Dramatic, Cautionary Tale
The tale of Ryan James Wedding is proof that no matter how famous or talented someone seems, they can still end up lost in risky paths. His situation reveals that gang-related activities don’t just pull in strangers – they reach across different backgrounds. Life plans can shatter fast when decisions turn toward illegal actions.
Right now, Wedding’s still on the run. Yet thanks to a $15 million bounty along with cooperation across several nations, officials are confident he’ll be caught soon.
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