U.S. Sanctions Target Notorious Fugitive Ryan Wedding
Today, the U.S. Treasury Department took strong action against Ryan James Wedding, a former Olympic snowboarder and now one of the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives. Along with Wedding, nine people and nine organizations linked to him were also sanctioned. This move aims to dismantle Wedding’s criminal network, which is involved in drug trafficking and violent crimes, including multiple murders.
Wedding, who is currently evading capture in Mexico, has been labeled as a significant threat. According to John K. Hurley, Under Secretary of the Treasury, the goal is to make it hard for criminals like Wedding to profit from their actions. This sanctions list compiles those who enable him, cutting off their access to the U.S. financial system.
The Scope of Wedding’s Crimes
Wedding’s criminal operations involve trafficking cocaine, with connections reaching Colombia and Mexico. He reportedly uses cryptocurrency to launder money, hiding his profits from law enforcement. The FBI estimates he has been involved in numerous murders worldwide, including in the U.S., Canada, and Latin America.
His criminal enterprise has several key associates. Edgar Aaron Vazquez Alvarado, known as “the General,” provides security for Wedding and uses law enforcement connections to help him evade capture. Wedding’s wife, Miryam Andrea Castillo Moreno, aids in laundering drug money and facilitating violence. Other associates include Carmen Yelinet Valoyes Florez, who runs a prostitution ring, and Deepak Balwant Paradkar, a lawyer who has notably crossed ethical lines to provide illegal services.
The Implications of Sanctions
All assets belonging to those sanctioned are now blocked within the U.S. These sanctions include not only direct properties but also any businesses owned 50% or more by the blocked individuals. Any violations of these regulations can lead to severe penalties, including fines or criminal charges.
According to the Treasury Department, this sanctions action serves a dual purpose—not only as punishment but also as a means to change criminal behavior. The ultimate aim is to reduce the illicit activities that harm communities across the nation.
By understanding the depth of these operations and the coordinated efforts of law enforcement, we gain insight into how serious crime networks operate and the measures being taken to counteract them. For further details, you can visit the U.S. Treasury’s official announcement.
