U.S. Authorities Offer $15 Million Reward In Ex Olympian Ryan Wedding’s Crypto-Linked Trafficking Case
Summary:
Former Olympic snowboarder Ryan Wedding is facing serious criminal charges for allegedly orchestrating an international drug trafficking scheme using cryptocurrency. According to the Justice Department, Wedding oversaw a narcotics empire and is accused of ordering the murder of a federal witness in Colombia. Authorities have increased the reward for his capture to $15 million, highlighting the case’s severity and Wedding’s ties to the Sinaloa Cartel. This case underscores the growing intersection of cryptocurrency and criminal enterprises.
What This Means for You:
- Heightened Awareness: This case highlights the risks of cryptocurrency being used for illicit activities, urging users to remain vigilant.
- Regulatory Implications: Expect stricter cryptocurrency regulations as governments crack down on financial crimes linked to digital assets.
- Cybersecurity Measures: Businesses and individuals should strengthen their crypto security practices to prevent misuse and fraud.
- Future Outlook: The case could set a precedent for how international law enforcement handles crypto-related crimes in the future.
Original Post:
Former Olympic snowboarder Ryan Wedding is facing criminal charges for orchestrating an crypto-related international drug trafficking shceme, according to new indictments unsealed this week by the Justice Department.
According to a November 19 press release from the DOJ, Wedding is charged with overseeing the criminal enterprise as well as the January 2025 killing of a federal witness who was affiliated with the prosecution’s case against the one-time Canadian athlete.
The U.S. government alleges that Wedding “placed a bounty” against the federal witness, resulting in his murder at a resturant in Colombia earlier this year.
“Whether you’re a kingpin or a dealer on the street, anyone who sells drugs to our kids will be arrested and prosecuted,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Ryan Wedding controls one of the most prolific and violent drug trafficking organizations in this world and works closely with the Sinaloa Cartel.”
“We will not rest until his name is taken off the FBI’s Top 10 Most Wanted List, and his narco-trafficking organization lies dismantled,” she added.
Ryan Wedding’s Crypto Connection
The U.S. government claims that Wedding used a “sophisticated” Tether network to launder funds illicitly obtained through his extensive drug network before ultimately moving them into one he controlled.
In one incident laid out in the indictment, one defendant “received approximately $2,000,000,000 COP” converted from cryptocurrency “as payment for the approximately 300 kilograms of cocaine.”
Moreover, U.S. authorities have upped Wedding’s $10 million reward to $15 million for information leading to his arrest or prosecution.
If convicted, Wedding is facing a maximum sentence of life in prison for his crimes.
The post U.S. Authorities Offer $15 Million Reward In Ex Olympian Ryan Wedding’s Crypto-Linked Trafficking Case appeared first on Cryptonews.
Extra Information:
DOJ Press Release: Provides detailed information on the charges and the investigation.
Cryptocurrency Security Guide: Explores how to safeguard digital assets against misuse.
Cryptocurrency Basics: A primer on how cryptocurrencies work and their applications.
People Also Ask About:
- What is Ryan Wedding accused of? Wedding is accused of international drug trafficking and ordering the murder of a federal witness.
- How is cryptocurrency involved in this case? Wedding allegedly used a Tether network to launder drug proceeds.
- What is the reward for Ryan Wedding’s capture? The reward has been increased to $15 million.
- What are the charges against Wedding? He faces life in prison if convicted of charges including drug trafficking and witness tampering.
- Who is involved in the prosecution? The FBI and DOJ are leading the investigation with support from international partners.
Expert Opinion:
“This case is a stark reminder of the dual-edged nature of cryptocurrency. While it offers innovation and financial freedom, it also presents opportunities for exploitation. Governments and industries must work together to ensure robust oversight without stifling technological progress.”
Key Terms:
- crypto-linked drug trafficking
- Ryan Wedding criminal charges
- Sinaloa Cartel cryptocurrency
- Tether network money laundering
- FBI most wanted fugitives
- international drug trafficking schemes
- $15 million reward Ryan Wedding
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