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The FBI’s Los Angeles division, in collaboration with Mexican law enforcement, has seized an impressive collection of motorcycles, including several MotoGP machines previously owned by renowned riders. This collection was traced back to Ryan James Wedding, a former Olympic snowboarder who is currently on the FBI’s Most Wanted list.
Wedding represented Canada at the 2002 Winter Olympics, participating in the giant parallel slalom event and finishing in 24th place. However, his athletic career has been eclipsed by his alleged involvement in a major drug trafficking network, which has led to his status as a fugitive.
The seizure of a multimillion-dollar collection
Authorities conducted coordinated operations in Mexico targeting multiple properties associated with Wedding. The results were staggering: 62 motorcycles were confiscated, valued at approximately $40 million. Among these were Ducati bikes raced by prominent figures such as Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi, along with a Honda bike linked to Marc Márquez.
Luxury assets and more
In addition to the motorcycles, law enforcement recovered various luxury items, including vehicles, artwork, and two Olympic medals. The ownership of these medals is unclear, but they reflect Wedding’s impressive yet troubled past as a professional athlete. Previous seizures in similar operations have included a rare Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR Roadster, valued at an astonishing $13 million, along with drugs and weaponry.
Legal troubles and ongoing investigations
Wedding’s legal issues began when he was indicted in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, facing numerous charges. These include conspiracy to distribute cocaine, operating a continuing criminal enterprise, and involvement in multiple murders related to his drug operations. The U.S. Department of the Treasury has sanctioned him and several associates due to their roles in violent drug trafficking.
The search for Wedding
Wedding is currently believed to be hiding in Mexico, possibly under the protection of the notorious Sinaloa cartel. He is considered armed and dangerous. The FBI and the U.S. Department of State’s Narcotics Rewards Program have announced a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to his capture. This reflects the seriousness of the accusations against him, making him one of the most wanted fugitives in North America.
As authorities continue to unravel the extensive network behind Wedding’s operations, the implications of his case extend beyond his athletic achievements. It serves as a stark reminder of how quickly a promising career can devolve into a life of crime, leaving a path of destruction in its wake.