FBI Increases Bounty to $15 Million for Capture of "Modern Pablo Escobar" – Olympic Medalist Turned Crypto Kingpin
- Who is Ryan Wedding and why is the FBI offering $15 million for him?
- How is cryptocurrency central to this international manhunt?
- What makes this bounty increase significant?
- How are authorities adapting to crypto-powered crime?
- What does this mean for the crypto industry?
- Frequently Asked Questions
The FBI has upped the ante in its manhunt for Ryan Wedding, dubbed the "Pablo Escobar of our times," raising the reward for information leading to his capture from $10 million to a staggering $15 million. The former Olympic athlete is accused of running a global criminal empire fueled by cryptocurrency, with charges ranging from international drug trafficking to orchestrating multiple murders. This high-stakes pursuit highlights the growing intersection of crypto and transnational crime, with authorities scrambling to adapt their tactics in this digital arms race.
Who is Ryan Wedding and why is the FBI offering $15 million for him?
Ryan Wedding isn't your typical fugitive. This Canadian former Olympian (whose specific sport remains undisclosed) has allegedly built a narcotics empire that WOULD make Netflix scriptwriters drool. The FBI describes him as operating with "Escobar-level ambition but with 21st century tech savvy," using cryptocurrencies like USDT to move money across borders while allegedly ordering hits with frightening precision.
The Department of Justice claims Wedding's network spans multiple continents, moving cocaine while laundering profits through a sophisticated crypto-and-jewelry scheme. His alleged operations came under fire in late 2024 when authorities seized $3.2 million in crypto assets, a TON of cocaine, firearms, and cash. But Wedding himself remains at large, believed to be hiding in Mexico while his empire continues operating.
How is cryptocurrency central to this international manhunt?
The Wedding case has become Exhibit A in regulators' arguments for stricter crypto oversight. According to Treasury Department filings:
- Wedding allegedly used Tether (USDT) to bypass traditional banking systems
- His network moved millions through a Toronto jewelry store called Diamond Tsar
- Co-conspirators included his wife, a bodyguard, and a jeweler accused of money laundering
John K. Hurley, Treasury's undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, put it bluntly: "We're seeing criminals adopt crypto faster than some banks do. Cases like this show why we need to evolve our tools." The DOJ has already convicted other crypto players this year, including Samourai Wallet's founders, signaling a tough new stance.
What makes this bounty increase significant?
The jump from $10M to $15M isn't just about inflation - it reflects several key factors:
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | Wedding's evaded capture for over a year despite global alerts |
| Violence | Alleged involvement in dozens of murders with "sophisticated methods" |
| Scale | Operations reportedly span North America, Europe and Asia |
| Innovation | Use of crypto laundering represents new frontier in crime |
FBI Director Kash Patel didn't mince words: "This isn't some street dealer - we're dealing with a criminal CEO who's weaponized both violence and technology." The bureau's Most Wanted listing suggests Wedding represents a "clear and present danger" with resources to match any government agency.
How are authorities adapting to crypto-powered crime?
The response has been multi-pronged:
- Task Forces: New interagency groups targeting crypto scams
- Regulations: Pressure on stablecoins like USDT used in laundering
- Technology: Blockchain analytics tools tracking crypto flows
- Sanctions: Freezing assets of Wedding's alleged associates
Interestingly, while the tech is new, the tactics echo old-school organized crime take downs. The Treasury's sanctions hit Wedding's alleged support network - wife, bodyguard, financial handlers - hoping to squeeze his operations. As one analyst quipped, "Even crypto kingpins need someone to do their laundry."
What does this mean for the crypto industry?
The Wedding case lands amid growing regulatory scrutiny. Recent convictions of crypto entrepreneurs have created what industry watchers call "the compliance chill." Exchanges like BTCC now face pressure to implement stricter KYC measures, while privacy-focused tools face existential threats.
Yet some argue the focus should remain on bad actors rather than technology. "Criminals used planes for drug smuggling too," noted a blockchain analyst, "We didn't ground commercial aviation." The challenge lies in balancing innovation with oversight - a debate that will likely intensify as more cases emerge.
This article does not constitute investment advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Ryan Wedding compared to Pablo Escobar?
The FBI draws parallels due to the scale of Wedding's alleged drug operations and his ability to evade capture, though with modern twists like cryptocurrency usage replacing Escobar's submarine fleets.
How long has Wedding been on the run?
Authorities have pursued him for over a year since first issuing warrants in late 2024, with the bounty increasing from $10M to $15M as the manhunt intensified.
What cryptocurrency did Wedding allegedly use?
Court documents primarily reference Tether (USDT) due to its stability and liquidity, though investigators believe his network utilized multiple cryptocurrencies to obscure money trails.
Has any reward money been paid out yet?
No - the FBI confirms the full $15 million remains unclaimed as of November 2025, with strict protocols for verifying information before any payout.
