The United States has increased its reward for information leading to the arrest of former Olympic snowboarder Ryan Wedding, who authorities say has transformed into one of the world’s most dangerous narcotics kingpins. The State Department announced the new $15m bounty on Wednesday after Canadian officials confirmed the arrest of seven individuals linked to the fugitive athlete, who is believed to be hiding in Mexico. FBI Director Kash Patel described Wedding as a “modern-day iteration of Pablo Escobar,” underscoring the scale and sophistication of his alleged criminal empire.

Jocomms Correspondent reports that Wedding, 44, has been on the FBI’s “Ten Most Wanted Fugitives” list and faces multiple indictments including conspiracy to distribute and export cocaine, as well as conspiracy to commit murder. Investigators say he masterminded a narco-trafficking network responsible for billions of dollars in cocaine shipments, operating with extreme violence and deep ties to Mexico’s Sinaloa Cartel. Attorney General Pam Bondi revealed that Wedding is considered Canada’s largest cocaine distributor and is believed to move about 60 metric tonnes of the drug annually into Los Angeles using heavily fortified truck routes.

Authorities warn that Wedding remains “extremely dangerous,” with vast financial resources and a history of ruthlessness that has hindered efforts to capture him. As the international dragnet tightens and the reward skyrockets, global law-enforcement agencies say they are closer than ever—but will the world’s most wanted snowboarder-turned-crime boss finally be brought to justice? Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.