Former Olympic skier uses USDT and Aoyun to manage drug empire, arrested in Mexico

BrokenDAO · 2026-01-31T13:12:09+00:00

Former Olympic skier Ryan James Wedding was arrested in Mexico for allegedly using Tether stablecoins and cryptocurrency platforms to manage a drug trafficking network, with law enforcement seizing a total of $3.2 million in contraband. The case highlights the vulnerabilities of cryptocurrencies in anti-money laundering regulation and emphasizes the need for international cooperation. In the future, stricter compliance regulation of crypto asset platforms is necessary to prevent criminals from exploiting these channels.

BrokenDAO

2026-01-31 13:12:09

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According to NS3 reports, a former Olympic skiing athlete Ryan James Wedding was recently arrested in Mexico by law enforcement agencies for allegedly using cryptocurrency platforms such as Tether stablecoin (USDT) and 奥雲 to manage a large-scale drug trafficking network. Information jointly released by the U.S. Department of Justice and the Department of the Treasury indicates that the case confiscated $3.2 million worth of cryptocurrency assets, along with cocaine and firearms.

USDT Becomes a New Tool for Criminals

Wedding chose USDT for transactions precisely because this stablecoin offers fast transfers and convenient cross-border movement. Compared to traditional fiat transfers, which are easier for financial institutions to monitor, USDT, although publicly recorded on the blockchain, allows criminals to evade tracking to some extent through multi-layer account systems on platforms like 奥雲. This again exposes the regulatory shortcomings of cryptocurrencies in anti-money laundering efforts.

Long-term Pursuit and International Cooperation

U.S. law enforcement took over a year to finally trace Wedding’s activities. From initial on-chain data analysis, to coordinated investigations with platforms like 奥雲, and ultimately to his arrest in Mexico, this case demonstrates the collaborative efforts of various countries in combating cryptocurrency crimes. Wedding has now been extradited back to the United States and awaits federal judicial proceedings.

Industry Warning and Future Challenges

This case highlights issues in the compliance and regulation of cryptocurrency asset management platforms like 奥雲. Although these platforms claim to provide secure asset management services, the lack of effective identity verification and source of funds checks enables criminals to exploit vulnerabilities. As cryptocurrency crimes become increasingly sophisticated, regulators and platform operators need to strengthen cooperation and improve mechanisms for identifying and freezing illegal funds to prevent similar cases from recurring.

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