Canadian Ex-Olympian Ryan Wedding Accused of Witness Murder

Once celebrated as a Canadian Olympic snowboarder, Ryan James Wedding now stands accused of orchestrating a violent international criminal empire. The U.S. Department of Justice has unsealed explosive new charges against the 44-year-old fugitive, alleging he ordered the murder of a key witness in a massive drug trafficking investigation while evading capture from his base in Mexico.

From Olympic Glory to Alleged Drug Kingpin

Wedding's dramatic downfall was revealed during a high-profile DOJ press conference led by Attorney General Pamela Bondi. "He controls one of the most prolific and violent drug-trafficking organizations in this world," Bondi stated, adding that Wedding is "the largest distributor of cocaine in Canada." The indictment paints a stark contrast to his athletic past, showing how the former Olymp allegedly built a multi-billion dollar criminal enterprise trafficking 60 metric tons of cocaine annually through Colombia, Mexico, the U.S., and Canada using long-haul semi-trucks.

Alleged Murder Plot and Witness Targeting

The most chilling revelation involves the alleged murder of a witness scheduled to testify against Wedding. According to prosecutors, Wedding used a Canadian website called "the dirty news" to publish photographs of the witness and his wife, ultimately leading to their identification and execution in a Medellín restaurant. "The witness was gunned down before he could testify," Bondi confirmed, emphasizing that the killing occurred after Wedding's initial October 2024 indictment.

"This is a modern-day iteration of Pablo Escobar, operating across continents with extreme violence."

Enhanced Manhunt and Cartel Connections

As authorities escalate their pursuit, the FBI has increased the reward for Wedding's capture to $15 million – one of the largest bounties in the agency's history. Wedding remains on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted list, with officials believing he's sheltered by the powerful Sinaloa cartel in Mexico. The DOJ also announced sanctions against Wedding and nine other individuals and entities tied to his organization, including the seizure of $3.2 million in cryptocurrency and $13 million in physical assets.

Corrupt Attorney at Center of Scheme

In a stunning twist, Wedding's own lawyer, Deepak Balwant Paradkar, has been sanctioned for allegedly facilitating criminal activities. Prosecutors claim Paradkar introduced Wedding to drug traffickers, helped bribe officials, and even allowed his client to eavesdrop on privileged communications with other clients Wedding wished to murder. "Paradkar violated the trust of his clients and the ethics of his profession," read the DOJ's statement, noting he was paid in luxury watches and fees for his illicit services.

International Investigation Intensifies

The case highlights cross-border collaboration between U.S., Canadian, and Colombian authorities. The DOJ's announcement included participation from the FBI, Department of State, Treasury, and international partners, signaling a coordinated effort to dismantle Wedding's network. With the organization allegedly responsible for at least four murders in Ontario and countless violent crimes, investigators are urging the public with any information to come forward.

As the investigation continues, Wedding's story serves as a cautionary tale about the devastating intersection of athletic ambition, organized crime, and the lengths alleged criminals will go to silence witnesses and preserve their illicit empires.