By Matt CannonShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberA rare supercar—worth an estimated $13 million—was seized during an investigation involving one of the FBI's top ten most wanted fugitives, the agency has said.
The Mercedes Benz CLK-GTR Roadster, one of only six ever built, was uncovered by agents carrying out "Operation Giant Slalom" into former Olympic snowboarder turned alleged narcotics-trafficker Ryan Wedding and his associates.
According to a Justice Department indictment unsealed last week, Wedding faces several charges, including directing the murder of a cooperating witness in Colombia, overseeing a criminal enterprise and enriching himself with the enterprise’s laundered drug proceeds.
Newsweek contacted the FBI via web form on Wednesday.
...Why It Matters
Federal authorities' seizure highlights the immense scale and reach of an alleged global drug trafficking empire led by a renowned fugitive—and law enforcement’s efforts to dismantle it.
The case also highlights the scale and violent nature of modern narcotics organizations, illustrating how illicit proceeds permeate into the world of luxury collectibles.
What To Know
Wedding, a 44-year-old Canadian national, is accused of heading a violent narcotics network responsible for trafficking 60 metric tons of cocaine annually into the United States and Canada, largely in partnership with the Sinaloa Cartel.
The Mercedes CLK-GTR Roadster is among the world’s rarest supercars, with only six roadster versions manufactured for road use by Mercedes-Benz in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The car features a 6.9-liter V12 engine and a storied racing pedigree.
Photos shared on social media by the agency's Los Angeles branch show the 2002 car in an almost immaculate garage.
...Wedding, who the FBI have said is also known as “Jessie New," or “El Jefe" [the boss], remains a fugitive, with the FBI offering a $15 million reward for information leading to his capture.
Justice Department announced on Wednesday 10 new arrests across the United States, Canada, and Colombia. Those arrested were:
- Deepak Balwant Paradkar, 62, of Thornhill, Ontario, Canada;
- Atna Ohna, 40, of Laval, Québec, Canada;
- Gursewak Singh Bal, 31, of Mississauga, Ontario, Canada;
- Allistair Chapman, 33, of Calgary, Alberta, Canada;
- Ahmad Nabil Zitoun, 35, of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada;
- Carmen Yelinet Valoyes Florez, 47, of Bogotá, Colombia;
- Yulieth Katherine Tejada, 36, of Orlando, Florida, who is legal permanent resident from Colombia;
- Edwin Basora-Hernandez, 31, of Montréal;
- Wilson Riascos, 45, of Cali, Colombia; and
- Rolan Sokolovski, 37, of Toronto.
Other associate fugitives are thought to be hiding in Mexico or elsewhere.
...What People Are Saying
“Whether you’re a kingpin or a dealer on the street, anyone who sells drugs to our kids will be arrested and prosecuted,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Ryan Wedding controls one of the most prolific and violent drug trafficking organizations in this world and works closely with the Sinaloa Cartel. We will not rest until his name is taken off the FBI’s Top 10 Most Wanted List, and his narco-trafficking organization lies dismantled.”
Assistant director in charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles field office Akil Davis said: “Ryan Wedding’s athletic drive snowballed into a life of violence and, instead of conquering mountains, he mastered a deadly drug distribution enterprise and will continue to order murders while he enjoys protection by his cartel associates and others,” said
What Happens Next
The FBI’s seizure of the CLK-GTR is the latest step in a multi-agency crackdown on Wedding’s alleged global criminal operation.
The car, now held in federal custody, could be liquidated at auction pending a legal forfeiture process if Wedding or his associates are convicted. Proceeds from such auctions are typically directed to law enforcement or victim compensation funds.
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