In a bombshell development that’s sending shockwaves through the world of sports and law enforcement, former Canadian Olympic snowboarder Ryan Wedding faces explosive new charges for allegedly ordering the brutal murder of a key witness in his sprawling cocaine trafficking empire. The U.S. Department of Justice unsealed a federal indictment on November 19, 2025, charging Wedding and nine associates with conspiracy to commit murder in furtherance of drug crimes, marking a dramatic escalation in the hunt for the fugitive athlete-turned-alleged kingpin.
From Olympic Glory to Alleged Drug Lord: Ryan Wedding’s Shocking Fall
Ryan Wedding, once celebrated as a rising star in snowboarding, represented Canada at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, where he competed in the parallel giant slalom event. The 41-year-old from Ontario dazzled fans with his athletic prowess, embodying the spirit of extreme sports. But federal prosecutors now paint a far darker picture: Wedding as the architect of a transnational cocaine empire, smuggling massive quantities of the drug from Colombia into the United States and Canada.
According to the indictment, Wedding’s operation allegedly imported hundreds of kilograms of cocaine, generating millions in illicit profits. Dubbed the “modern-day Pablo Escobar” by authorities, the ex-Olympian is accused of using his charisma and connections to build a network of suppliers, distributors, and enforcers. “Ryan Wedding has orchestrated murders against his rivals, against cooperating witnesses, against anybody that crosses his path,” stated Akil Khalfani, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office, during a press conference.
The Chilling Witness Murder Plot: A Desperate Bid to Silence Testimony
At the heart of the new charges is the January 2025 assassination of a U.S. federal witness in a bustling Colombian restaurant. Prosecutors allege Wedding, fearing the informant’s testimony would dismantle his drug empire, directed associates to track and eliminate the individual before they could take the stand.
The plot, detailed in court documents, involved meticulous surveillance and coordination across borders. Deepak Balwant Paradkar, a 62-year-old from Thornhill, Ontario, is among those charged for allegedly advising Wedding on the hit. The victim was gunned down in a public execution-style killing, underscoring the ruthless tactics employed by Wedding’s alleged organization.
This isn’t the first violence linked to Wedding. The superseding indictment also ties him to prior murders and an attempted murder, all in service of protecting his cocaine trafficking operations.
Sweeping Arrests and a Skyrocketing Reward: The FBI’s Intensified Manhunt
In a coordinated crackdown, federal agents arrested 10 individuals connected to Wedding’s network, including seven in Canada. The operation spanned Los Angeles, Toronto, and international waters, highlighting the global reach of the alleged syndicate.
Wedding himself remains at large, having been added to the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list in March 2025. In response to the fresh allegations, the U.S. government has dramatically increased the reward for information leading to his capture to $15 million – one of the highest bounties ever offered. Authorities believe Wedding may be hiding in South America or leveraging cartel connections for protection.
“Wedding’s actions not only terrorized communities but undermined the integrity of our justice system,” said U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada. The case has drawn international attention, with Canadian officials vowing full cooperation in the extradition efforts.
Implications for Sports, Drugs, and Justice: What Lies Ahead for Ryan Wedding?
The Ryan Wedding saga serves as a stark cautionary tale of how Olympic dreams can veer into criminal nightmares. As investigators peel back layers of his alleged drug empire, questions swirl about how a celebrated athlete evaded detection for so long. Experts warn that this case exposes vulnerabilities in cross-border drug trafficking enforcement, urging stronger international alliances.
For now, the world watches as the once-golden snowboarder dodges a noose tightening around his empire. Will tips from the massive reward lead to his downfall? Stay tuned for updates on this unfolding story of betrayal, bloodshed, and the blurred lines between glory and infamy.
