From British Columbia to the Beaches of Mexico, the Global Manhunt for Fugitive Drug Trafficker Ryan James Wedding Heats Up
WASHINGTON, D.C., May 21, 2025 — In a dramatic escalation of one of the most prolonged manhunts in North American criminal history, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has doubled the reward to USD 10 million for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of Ryan James Wedding, a Canadian national and alleged architect of a sprawling transnational drug trafficking and money laundering empire.
The enhanced reward makes Wedding one of the most highly sought-after fugitives in the Western Hemisphere. U.S. federal prosecutors allege that Wedding, a dual citizen of Canada and Mexico, used his extensive cartel connections, second passports, and sophisticated offshore financial networks to build a criminal enterprise that has trafficked fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine across borders, devastating communities on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico divide.
“This individual has repeatedly shown the ability to exploit legal systems, financial loopholes, and diplomatic blind spots,” said a senior Department of Justice official. “A $10 million reward signals the seriousness with which we are pursuing justice.”
Who Is Ryan Wedding?
Known by the aliases “Giant,” “El Jefe,” and “Public Enemy,” Wedding is a former semi-professional athlete turned cartel fixer. Originally from British Columbia, he was indicted in the United States on multiple charges, including:
- Conspiracy to traffic controlled substances
- Racketeering under the RICO Act
- Money laundering through offshore shell companies
- Obstruction of justice and witness tampering
Wedding allegedly forged deep connections with factions of the Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation Cartels, serving as a logistics and laundering intermediary. He is accused of overseeing encrypted communications between cartel operatives in Vancouver, Phoenix, and Veracruz while facilitating bulk cash smuggling routes through Panama and the Cayman Islands.
The Escalation: From $5M to $10M
The initial $5 million reward issued in 2022 proved insufficient to generate actionable leads, though it led to a surge in international tips. This week, in coordination with the U.S. Department of State’s Narcotics Rewards Program and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the FBI officially doubled the bounty to $10 million, matching high-profile rewards for fugitives like El Chapo’s associates and terrorism suspects.
“We believe someone, somewhere, has information that could finally lead us to Wedding,” said an HSI agent familiar with the case. “This reward could be life-changing for them—and case-ending for him.”
The agency also unveiled a revamped fugitive profile, including newly acquired biometric data, facial aging composites, and known aliases used on forged identity documents. The FBI is coordinating with Interpol and the RCMP to synchronize data with Red Notice alerts across Europe, Latin America, and Asia.
How He’s Avoided Capture
Wedding has remained elusive for nearly seven years, despite multiple international warrants and operations. Intelligence sources indicate that Wedding has travelled using at least three different passports, two of which were legally obtained through Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs.
These programs—offered by countries such as Dominica, St. Kitts & Nevis, and Vanuatu—have drawn criticism for lax vetting procedures and facilitating a haven for financial criminals and fugitives.
In one instance, investigators in Portugal traced a yacht believed to be used by Wedding to launder money via luxury real estate transactions in the Algarve. The vessel was owned by an offshore company registered in the Seychelles, ultimately controlled by a trust administered in Belize.
Interpol has documented over two dozen wedding sightings across Spain, Thailand, Morocco, and the United Arab Emirates. Still, none have resulted in a successful apprehension, underscoring the legal barriers created by non-extradition countries and unregulated migration schemes.
Case Study: The Cabo Escape
One of the most shocking cases tied to Wedding involves a failed sting operation in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, in 2021. A U.S. task force coordinated with Mexican Marines to intercept Wedding during a yacht-based party with alleged cartel financiers.
However, by the time the raid occurred, Wedding had already slipped out—reportedly tipped off by a local official. Surveillance footage revealed him boarding a helicopter with no registered flight plan, likely using a fake diplomatic passport.
According to leaked files, Wedding’s identity was listed as “Ambassador J.R. Wellington,” under a title granted by a micronation with no recognized sovereignty. This loophole enabled him to leave Mexican airspace without undergoing immigration checks.
An Urgent Call for Action
As Wedding’s profile continues to rise, officials warn that he may use his wealth and influence to corrupt legal systems, manipulate citizenship programs, and fund operations that threaten public health and international security.
The U.S. Department of State reiterated its commitment to cooperation with foreign allies, calling on Caribbean, Middle East, and Southeast Asian governments to tighten border controls and increase scrutiny of their diplomatic passport issuance policies.
“This is not just about drugs. It’s about justice, integrity, and stopping a man who has flaunted every law meant to hold him accountable,” said a Justice Department spokesperson.
Amicus International: A Legal Contrast
In contrast to the criminal exploitation of legal identity systems, Amicus International Consulting reaffirms its stance on providing legal, transparent, and compliant second citizenship and identity services.
As global headlines focus on criminals manipulating weak programs, Amicus emphasizes its rigorous background checks, adherence to the legal framework, and work with vetted governments to provide safe, legal solutions for clients facing legitimate threats.
“We turn away applicants weekly who seek to do what Wedding did—abuse systems,” said a spokesperson. “Our job is to protect the integrity of second citizenship, not destroy it.”
How to Report Information
Anyone with information regarding Ryan James Wedding’s whereabouts is urged to contact the FBI directly or submit anonymous tips via their official portal.
International tipsters are encouraged to contact U.S. embassies or Interpol regional offices. A dedicated multi-agency task force based in Washington, D.C, will assess all credible information.
Please do not attempt to approach Wedding, as he is considered armed and dangerous.
Conclusion
As the search for Ryan Wedding enters a new phase, the U.S. government’s $10 million reward sends a clear message: no matter how far he runs, justice will follow. This fugitive is not just hiding—he’s daring the world to find him. And with the stakes higher than ever, his days of freedom may finally be numbered.
📞 Contact Information
Phone: +1 (604) 200-5402
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.amicusint.ca
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