FBI seize bizarre MotoGP collection from 'most wanted' Olympian fugitive

The FBI’s Los Angeles division, through Mexican authorities, has seized an unprecedented collection of motorcycles, including a remarkable selection of MotoGP machines from the likes of Valentino Rossi, Jorge Lorenzo and Marc Marquez.

The collection belonged to former Olympic snowboarder Ryan James Wedding, who is now on the FBI's Most Wanted list.

In 2002, he competed for Canada at the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics in the giant parallel slalom event, but he is now notorious for alleged involvement in one of the most prolific transnational drug trafficking organisations in recent history.

During a series of raids in Mexico at multiple properties linked to Wedding, authorities seized a vast motorcycle collection believed to be worth around $40 million.

The collection included Ducati MotoGP bikes raced by Jorge Lorenzo and Andrea Dovizioso, two Ducati machines ridden by Valentino Rossi during his 2011–2012 seasons, and a Moto2 bike associated with Marc Marquez from the early part of his career.

Additional Hondas, Kawasakis and other high‑performance superbikes and 500cc GP class machines were also recovered.

Mexican authorities executed the warrants in coordination with the FBI, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Los Angeles Police Department, seizing approximately 62 motorcycles and other luxury assets linked to Wedding’s network.

The seizures were not limited to motorcycles. Past operations have also seen the confiscation of a rare 2002 Mercedes‑Benz CLK‑GTR Roadster valued at around $13 million, along with drugs, ammunition, artwork and Olympic medals, although the medals' ownership has not been fully confirmed.

Law enforcement officials described the collection as one of the largest private MotoGP and exotic motorcycle collections ever documented.

Wedding was indicted in the United States District Court for the Central District of California in 2024, and additional charges have been added since.

According to official court documents, Wedding is accused of conspiracy to distribute and export large quantities of cocaine, running a continuing criminal enterprise, committing multiple murders and attempted murders in connection with the drug organisation, and engaging in money laundering and other related offences.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury has sanctioned Wedding and several associates, citing their involvement in violence, murder and international drug trafficking, and noting that the proceeds were laundered through luxury assets and companies worldwide.

Wedding is currently believed to be hiding in Mexico and should be considered armed and dangerous. The FBI and the U.S. Department of State's Narcotics Rewards Program are offering a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to his arrest and conviction.