The FBI Captures Alleged Money Launderer Linked to Drug-Trafficking Enterprise
Authorities reported that the FBI has apprehended a man believed to be involved in money laundering for a drug-trafficking organization led by former Olympian turned alleged drug kingpin, Ryan Wedding.
Rasheed Pascua Hossain, also known as “JP Morgan,” was taken into custody by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police on Friday, according to the Canadian Broadcasting Company.
According to the FBI, Hossain is facing charges in the US related to cocaine trafficking and money laundering.
Hossain is accused of managing and laundering the drug proceeds from the extensive drug trafficking enterprise orchestrated by Wedding, as stated in a US federal grand jury indictment from October.
US Attorney General Pam Bondi revealed that Wedding, a former snowboarder at the 2002 Winter Olympics for Canada, has been implicated in ordering a hit on a federal witness by sharing photos of the individual online.
Wedding allegedly smuggled large quantities of cocaine into the US annually through semi trucks crossing into Southern California from Mexico. Several arrests have been made in connection with the murder of a federal witness known as “Operation Giant Slalom.”
The search continues for Wedding, Mexican national Bianca Canastillo-Madrid, and Tommy Demorizi, a Montreal resident believed to be in the Dominican Republic.
The State Department has increased the reward for Wedding’s capture to $15 million, and authorities remain committed to dismantling the criminal organization linked to his operations.
First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli emphasized the resolve to bring justice to those involved in the drug trafficking ring and warned Wedding of the consequences if convicted.
