Mexican authorities have seized Olympic medals, luxury vehicles, and large quantities of drugs during coordinated raids on properties linked to a former Olympian now listed among the United States’ most wanted fugitives.
While officials did not initially name the suspect, Mexican media later identified the target as Ryan Wedding, a former Canadian snowboarder. Security agencies confirmed that the operation focused on a fugitive Olympic athlete wanted by U.S. authorities.
The raids targeted four properties in and around Mexico City. Personnel from the Mexican Navy, the National Guard, and federal agents from the attorney general’s office carried out the operation.
This week, @FBILosAngeles released a newly obtained photograph of #FBI Top Ten Fugitive Ryan James Wedding. The photo is believed to have been taken in Mexico during the summer of 2025.
Wedding is #wanted for allegedly running and participating in a transnational drug… pic.twitter.com/2ZlNibFZr6
— FBI (@FBI) December 11, 2025
According to Mexico’s security secretariat, authorities confiscated a wide range of high-value and illicit items. These included 62 high-end motorcycles, two vehicles, two Olympic medals, methamphetamine, and marijuana. Additionally, they found works of art, ammunition, and multiple documents. Officials described the raids as one of the most significant operations. It is part of the ongoing pursuit of a sports figure allegedly turned drug kingpin.
The FBI claims that former Olympic snowboarder-turned-kingpin Ryan Wedding is being protected by the Sinaloa cartel in Mexico.
He allegedly imported $1 billion worth of drugs into the U.S. each year. pic.twitter.com/KpjulAHXZ7
— My Mixtapez (@mymixtapez) December 23, 2025
U.S. authorities accuse Wedding of building a billion-dollar drug empire. This was after competing in the parallel giant slalom at the 2002 Winter Olympics. The United States has announced a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to his arrest. They allege that he is responsible for dozens of killings linked to organised crime.
Read: FBI Issues New Photo of Former Olympian Ryan Wedding, Compared to Pablo Escobar
The Mexican raids followed a separate enforcement action by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. They recently seized an ultra-rare Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR Roadster in the United States. The vehicle is reportedly valued at $13 million.
Ryan Wedding, the Most Wanted Man in America and former Canadian Olympian, had 62 high-end motorcycles, 2 Olympic medals, and artwork seized by the Mexican government. pic.twitter.com/5JNIWX0Yg0
— 6ixBuzzTV (@6ixbuzztv) December 26, 2025
The U.S. Treasury Department has also alleged that Wedding relies on a sophisticated network. This includes front companies and cryptocurrency transactions to conceal assets and evade law enforcement. Authorities on both sides of the border say investigations remain ongoing. Efforts intensify to locate and arrest the fugitive.