Former Canadian Olympic snowboarder Ryan James Wedding, 44, has been federally indicted on murder and money‑laundering charges after prosecutors say he ordered the killing of a federal witness who was shot in Colombia. Wedding — placed on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list in March — is accused of running a multinational cocaine network with alleged ties to the Sinaloa cartel. Ten alleged associates were arrested Nov. 18, and the U.S. government is offering a $15 million reward for information leading to his capture.
Ex-Olympian Ryan James Wedding Indicted — Accused of Leading Cocaine Network and Ordering Witness Murder; $15M Reward
Former Canadian Olympic snowboarder Ryan James Wedding, 44, has been federally indicted on murder and money‑laundering charges after prosecutors say he ordered the killing of a federal witness who was shot in Colombia. Wedding — placed on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list in March — is accused of running a multinational cocaine network with alleged ties to the Sinaloa cartel. Ten alleged associates were arrested Nov. 18, and the U.S. government is offering a $15 million reward for information leading to his capture.
02:55 AM, 11/20/2025Security
Federal prosecutors announced on Nov. 19 that former Olympic snowboarder Ryan James Wedding, 44, has been federally indicted on charges including murder and money laundering. Authorities allege Wedding ordered the killing of a federal witness who was fatally shot five times at a restaurant in Colombia after Wedding’s 2024 indictment.
Wedding, who represented Canada at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, was placed on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list in March. A prior indictment alleges he ran a multinational drug-trafficking organization responsible for distributing large quantities of cocaine in Canada and abroad, and that he directed killings of people in Canada accused of stealing a shipment.
“He controls one of the most prolific and violent drug‑trafficking organizations in this world,” Attorney General Pam Bondi said, adding that Wedding is considered a leading cocaine distributor in Canada.
The charging document dated Oct. 28 alleges Wedding operates under at least 32 aliases and maintains close ties with the Sinaloa cartel. Federal officials believe he is residing in Mexico, and they have offered a $15 million reward for information leading to his arrest and extradition.
Related arrests and alleged accomplices
On Nov. 18, U.S. authorities announced the arrest of ten people they say are tied to Wedding’s alleged criminal network. Among those taken into custody were:
- Deepak Paradkar — a criminal barrister accused by prosecutors of recommending the execution of the witness to frustrate Wedding’s extradition.
- Gursewak Singh Bal — alleged to have run an online news site that published a photo of the federal witness in exchange for payment to assist in locating him.
- Edwin Basora‑Hernandez — described by prosecutors as a Canadian reggaeton musician who allegedly helped identify the victim’s whereabouts.
The indictments and arrests are part of a broader U.S. law‑enforcement effort to dismantle what officials describe as a violent, multinational cocaine distribution network linked to Wedding. Authorities continue to seek tips from the public and urge anyone with information to contact the FBI.