FBI Confiscates Unique Mercedes
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has temporarily taken possession of an extremely rare automobile – a 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR Roadster. The German manufacturer created only 26 such models to meet homologation rules, and this specimen is one of six convertibles, giving it an almost mythical status in the automotive world.
Key Case Facts
Vehicle’s Technical Features
Under the rear body is a 6.9-liter V12 engine that originally produced 604 horsepower and 572 pound-feet of torque. All this power is sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed sequential gearbox. In the world of cars often called “race cars for the road,” the CLK-GTR is a true representative of this class – a kind of holy relic from the last generations of analog road supercars.
Criminal Context of the Story
According to the FBI, this car is linked to Ryan Wedding – a Canadian snowboarder who once represented his country at the 2002 Olympic Games. Law enforcement claims that he later led a global drug trafficking and money laundering operation that smuggled tons of cocaine into the United States.
Instead of standing on an Olympic podium, Wedding now appears in a different ranking – on the FBI’s Most Wanted list, with a $15 million reward for information leading to his arrest.
International Scale of the Operation
As part of the latest wave of measures, ten suspects have been arrested in various countries. Law enforcement reports that confiscated assets, such as the Mercedes, represent laundered funds linked to the criminal group’s activities. The exact connection between Wedding and this car has not yet been established.
Future of the Confiscated Car
If Wedding is found guilty and the asset is officially confiscated, the CLK-GTR could be sold under federal supervision. The government has historically sold confiscated exotic cars, including high-value Lamborghinis, Ferraris, and McLarens, through controlled auctions. Given the rarity of the CLK-GTR and the high-profile nature of this case, whoever ultimately becomes the owner might acquire not only a legendary car but also a moving piece of criminal history.
This case demonstrates how extreme stories in sports can intertwine with the world of crime, and material assets become witnesses to complex criminal schemes. Rare cars that once symbolized achievements in motorsport are now the focus of law enforcement agencies investigating international criminal networks. Such cases raise questions about the fate of unique assets after their confiscation and their subsequent historical value.