FBI seizes Mercedes CLK GTR worth R$70 million in action against wanted former Olympic athlete
Last Sunday (23), the FBI confiscated an Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Roadster valued at US$ 13 million (around R$ 70 million at current prices). The supercar was located during searches related to Canadian Ryan Wedding, former Olympic snowboarder and now one of the ten most wanted criminals by the Estados Unidos. The seizure took place at Califórnia and is part of the investigation into international cocaine trafficking and contract killings.
Wedding, 44, is accused of leading an organization that moved tons of cocaine between México, Canadá and Estados Unidos. The American Departamento of Justiça is offering a reward of US$15 million for information leading to his capture.
Extremely rare vehicle
The Mercedes CLK GTR was produced in just 28 units between 1998 and 2002 for homologation in the 24 Horas and Le Mans. Das 28 units, only six were roadsters, making the seized example one of the most exclusive convertibles in the world.
Specifications of the seized model
The 2002 CLK GTR
The transmission is six-speed sequential and rear-wheel drive. The Mercedes claimed acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds and a maximum speed of 338 km/h.
The roadster’s design features characteristic rear arches and a fixed spoiler unlike the coupe version.
The absence of a hard roof and exclusive aerodynamic modifications further increase the model’s market value.
Trajectory of Ryan Wedding
Ryan Wedding represented Canadá in snowboarding at the Jogos Olímpicos of Inverno of Salt Lake City in 2002.
After ending his sports career, he returned to Canadá, began studying bodybuilding and, according to the FBI, became part of transnational trafficking networks.
Currently on the run, Wedding is believed to be directly responsible for multiple homicides, including that of a Canadian family in 2023, in retaliation for the theft of a cocaine shipment.
Authorities believe he is hiding in México, protected by allies of local organized crime.
Operation remains ongoing
The seizure of Mercedes occurred during the execution of warrants at properties linked to Wedding in the region of Los Angeles.
In addition to the supercar, agents located documents, electronic devices and other luxury vehicles.
The FBI investigation is supported by Polícia Montada of the Canadá (RCMP) and the Mexican Drug Enforcement Agency. The case remains under partial secrecy, but new seizures and arrests may occur in the coming days.
