Motorcycles worth nearly $55M seized in raids connected to Canadian fugitive Ryan Wedding: FBI

The FBI released photos this week of motorcycles, artwork and two gold medals seized by Mexican authorities during raids last month and suspected of belonging to former Canadian Olympian-turned alleged narco boss Ryan Wedding.

The agency estimated the value of the 62 high-end motorcycles at nearly $55 million (US$40 million). The trove included several Ducati bikes, a brand of premium Italian motorcycles known for their design and high-performance race engines.

The vehicles were among several items seized when multiple Mexican agencies said they conducted raids and searches on four homes in Mexico City and the State of Mexico, “related to a former Olympic athlete and one of the 10 most wanted fugitives by U.S. authorities,” according to a joint statement.

Wedding was not named specifically, but is the only person on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list who would fit the description.

Agents also said they seized “two Olympic medals,” however, images shared by the FBI show them to be gold medals awarded for the Canadian National Snowboard Series. National Post has contacted Snowboard Canada for more information on Wedding’s involvement in the series.

Wedding didn’t win a medal for Canada at the 2002 Winter Games in Utah, his only Olympic appearance. He finished 24th overall in the giant slalom event.

The FBI also shared images of four pieces of art, one of which appears to show Italian professional motorcycle racer Valentino Rossi, as evidenced by a No. 46 on a sport bike with sponsors Movistar and ENEOS. Similar prints are available for sale online.

Another piece depicts a figure in a large sombrero with two rifles crossed behind him, set against a bright orange background with sombrero-wearing skeleton motifs. The last two are pop-art prints of pop-culture collectible toys and candy.

Also recovered was an undisclosed quantity of methamphetamine and marijuana, documents, and ammunition, though images of those have not been shared publicly.

After a career sports, North American authorities allege Wedding became entrenched in organized crime and built an expansive narcotics network, accused of trafficking large amounts of cocaine from Colombia through Mexico and into the U.S. and Canada.

The 44-year-old from Thunder Bay, Ont., was added to the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list in March and the reward for information leading to his arrest was increased from $10 to $15 million in November.

He’s wanted on charges that included running a continuing drug enterprise, drug trafficking, and orchestrating multiple murders connected to his alleged organization, including at least four in Canada. U.S. officials allege he also ordered the execution of a witness in the U.S. government’s case against him.

It’s alleged he is connected to Mexico’s Sinaloa Cartel, considered a terrorist entity by Canada and the U.S., and uses cryptocurrency to launder illicit proceeds.

Wedding is thought to be on the lam somewhere in Mexico. His aliases include “El Jefe,” “Giant,” “Public Enemy,” “James Conrad King,” and “Jesse King,” according to the FBI.

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