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FBI Seizes $13 Million Mercedes in Manhunt for Fugitive Ex‑Olympian Ryan Wedding

The high‑value seizure advances Operation Giant Slalom’s effort to cut off assets linked to the fugitive ex‑Olympian accused of ordering a witness’s murder.

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A rare 2002 Mercedes CLK-GTR valued at $13 million was seized by the FBI as part of an investigation into a former Olympic snowboarder, Ryan James Wedding, suspected of running an international drug trafficking network. (Photo courtesy of FBI)

Overview

  • Agents in Los Angeles took custody of a 2002 Mercedes CLK‑GTR Roadster, valued at about $13 million, that investigators say may be tied to Wedding’s network and is one of only six roadsters built.
  • Prosecutors recently unsealed a superseding indictment alleging Wedding directed the January killing of a cooperating witness in a Medellín restaurant to thwart testimony in a U.S. narcotics case.
  • Authorities say Wedding, a former Canadian Olympic snowboarder, led a cross‑border cocaine pipeline moving drugs between Colombia, Mexico, Southern California and Canada.
  • The FBI lists Wedding on its Ten Most Wanted roster and has increased the reward for information leading to his arrest or conviction to $15 million.
  • Investigators have arrested at least ten co‑defendants and seized the crime‑linked website TheDirtyNewz.com as part of the broader probe.