Mexican authorities have conducted a series of raids, seizing a significant cache of items including 62 high-end motorcycles, two Olympic medals, and illegal drugs. These actions are widely believed to be connected to the ongoing international manhunt for Canadian fugitive Ryan Wedding.
Raids Target Alleged Cartel Figure
The Mexican government has not publicly named Wedding, but confirmed the raids targeted a foreign former Olympian wanted by U.S. authorities. Reports in Mexican media identify 44-year-old Wedding, originally from Thunder Bay, Ontario, and a 2002 Olympic snowboarding competitor, as the focus of the operation. Four properties were raided in Mexico City and the surrounding State of Mexico.
In addition to the motorcycles and medals, authorities seized two vehicles, methamphetamine, marijuana, works of art, ammunition, and various documents. The origin of the Olympic medals remains unknown. Wedding finished 24th in the parallel giant slalom event at the 2002 Winter Olympics.
Allegations of Criminal Activity
U.S. authorities and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) allege Wedding built a billion-dollar drug-smuggling empire and is linked to numerous murders. He is believed to be currently hiding in Mexico. The U.S. Treasury Department states Wedding employs a complex network of assets – including luxury vehicles, properties, and cryptocurrency – to conceal his wealth.
Recent investigative work by the FBI led to the seizure of a $13 million Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR Roadster in Miami, purchased, according to a CBC News investigation, by Rolan Sokolovski, identified by U.S. authorities as a key money launderer for Wedding. The FBI has also been actively seeking information in the suburbs of Mexico City, where Wedding was reportedly sighted in 2024.
Court records indicate Wedding met with an alleged associate, Andrew Clark, and a former drug trafficker turned witness, Jonathan Acebedo-Garcia, in Mexico City in January 2024. Acebedo-Garcia was later assassinated in Colombia, an event U.S. prosecutors attribute to Wedding. Furthermore, a Toronto-area lawyer, Deepak Paradkar, was recently granted bail after being accused of advising Wedding in connection with the murder; Paradkar denies any wrongdoing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the recent raids in Mexico?
The raids were prompted by the ongoing international manhunt for Canadian fugitive Ryan Wedding, who is wanted by U.S. authorities and suspected of leading a large-scale drug smuggling operation.
What items were seized during the raids?
Mexican authorities seized 62 high-end motorcycles, two vehicles, two Olympic medals, methamphetamine, marijuana, works of art, ammunition, and documents.
Where is Ryan Wedding believed to be hiding?
U.S. authorities and the RCMP believe Ryan Wedding is hiding in Mexico, specifically in the area surrounding Mexico City.
Given the ongoing investigation and the significant resources being deployed, what further steps might authorities take to locate and apprehend Ryan Wedding?
Related reading