FBI Intensifies Global Manhunt for Former Olympic Snowboarder Ryan Wedding: “Modern-Day Pablo Escobar”
1. New Intelligence: The “Lion Tattoo” Sightings
The FBI recently released a “newly obtained” photograph of Wedding, believed to have been taken in Mexico during the summer of 2025.
The Image
The photo depicts Wedding lying shirtless, revealing a prominent lion tattoo on his chest.
Strategic Shift
Intelligence suggests Wedding is no longer just hiding; he is operating. Officials state he is living under the direct protection of the Sinaloa Cartel, moving an estimated 60 metric tons of cocaine annually.
2. A Cartel Operative Speaks: “He’s a High-End Client”
In a groundbreaking report released today by CBC News, an operative with the Sinaloa Cartel provided rare insight into Wedding’s reputation in Mexico.
The Reputation
The operative claimed that while Wedding’s name only recently surfaced in news reports, his organization is respected for its “high-end” clientele in Canada.
The Market
The source noted that despite the weak Canadian dollar, the drug trade in Canada is “highly profitable” because products fetch much higher prices due to the sheer distance they must travel from South America.
U.S. Turmoil
The operative contrasted the Canadian market with the U.S., which he described as being “in turmoil” because criminal groups are now frequently stealing each other’s shipments rather than following traditional codes.
3. The “Cocaine Lawyer” Trial: Assassination Risks
In Toronto, the bail hearing for Wedding’s primary legal counsel, Deepak Paradkar, has taken a grim turn.
The Liability
Federal prosecutors argued this week that Paradkar is “not safe” if released on bail. They contend that because Paradkar holds intimate knowledge of Wedding’s network, the cartel may view him as a liability and attempt to assassinate him to prevent him from testifying in a U.S. court.
The Defense
Paradkar’s wife, a retired accountant, testified that she never saw signs of “luxurious gifts” or suspicious cash drops, despite U.S. allegations that Paradkar was paid in bulk cash and luxury watches.
Status
Paradkar remains in custody awaiting a final bail decision scheduled for December 23, 2025.
4. Recent Accomplice Arrests
The net is tightening around Wedding’s secondary enablers:
Rasheed Pascua Hossain (alias “JP Morgan”)
Arrested in Vancouver in late November, Hossain is accused of managing Wedding’s multimillion-dollar cryptocurrency money-laundering operation.
Nahim Jorge Bonilla
A Canadian national based in Florida, recently indicted on separate murder charges linked to the organization’s enforcement activities.
Fugitive Status Summary
Current status of key individuals in the Ryan Wedding network (as of December 19, 2025):
| Name | Role | Location | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ryan Wedding | Leader (“El Jefe”) | Mexico | Fugitive ($15M Reward) |
| Deepak Paradkar | Lawyer/Advisor | Toronto | In Custody (Bail Pending) |
| Andrew Clark | 2nd in Command | U.S. | In Custody |
| Tommy Demorizi | Enforcement | Dominican Rep. | Fugitive |
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