Home Blog Page 141

Miss Mexico Is Crowned Miss Universe at Pageant Where She Stood Up to Host’s Bullying

By
Simeon Bateren
-
0
Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch, center, is celebrated by other contesters after winning the 2025 Miss Universe pageant in Nonthaburi, north of Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, Nov. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

BANGKOK (BN24)— Fátima Bosch Fernández of Mexico claimed the Miss Universe 2025 crown on Friday, closing a tumultuous week in Bangkok that propelled the 25-year-old contestant to the center of an international conversation on dignity, respect, and women’s voices. Her victory unfolded against the backdrop of one of the pageant’s most contentious editions in recent memory, shaped by a public confrontation with a host that set off a walkout, a show of solidarity among participants, and a dramatic apology that echoed far beyond the venue.

Bosch’s win prompted a roaring celebration inside the packed auditorium, where ecstatic supporters waved Mexican flags after a competition marked by tension and scrutiny. The 74th edition of the Miss Universe pageant, already known for spectacle, became the stage for a broader dispute about the treatment of contestants after Bosch was sharply reprimanded during a livestreamed sashing ceremony on Nov. 4.

The controversy began when Thai national director Nawat Itsaragrisil publicly chastised Bosch, accusing her of ignoring his instructions for participating in local promotional events. As she attempted to respond, defending her actions, Nawat called security. The exchange, streamed live to audiences worldwide, became a flashpoint. Bosch left the room moments later, prompting several contestants including Miss Universe 2024 Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark, to walk out in solidarity.

“What your director did is not respectful: He called me dumb,” Bosch told Thai reporters afterward. “If it takes away your dignity, you need to go.” Nawat denied the remark, but the damage had been done. The incident sparked widespread criticism, not only within the pageant community but across international media and online forums.

The Miss Universe Organization intervened quickly. Its president, Mexican businessman Raúl Rocha Cantú, issued a statement condemning Nawat’s behavior as “public aggression” and “serious abuse,” underscoring the gravity with which the organization took the livestreamed confrontation.

Even Mexico’s President, Claudia Sheinbaum, added her voice from Mexico City, applauding Bosch for standing firm. Sheinbaum said she wanted to recognize Bosch for speaking “in a dignified way,” adding that women “look more beautiful when we raise our voice and participate,” pushing back against past stereotypes that urged women to remain silent.

The fallout culminated in an emotional and visibly conflicted apology from Nawat, who addressed contestants while appearing alternately tearful and defensive. “If anyone was affected and not comfortable, it happened. I am so sorry,” he said, attempting to move past the incident before asking, “It’s passed. OK? Are you happy?”

Bosch’s selection as Miss Universe added another layer of significance to the controversy. Moments after her crowning, she reflected on the week’s turmoil and her aspirations for the role. She said she hoped to be remembered as “a person who changed a little bit the prototype of what is a Miss Universe and a real person that gives the heart.” She praised the pageant as “a platform that is strong because they have the space that women are searching to have a voice,” framing her win as part of a broader movement for empowered representation.

Behind the crown is a résumé steeped in creativity and advocacy. Bosch studied fashion in Mexico and Italy, focusing on sustainable design using discarded materials. Her biography highlights her volunteer work with children in hospitals, her efforts to promote environmental awareness, and her involvement in supporting migrants and mental health causes, commitments that resonated with fans during the high-profile controversy.

The pageant itself faced additional complications this year. Reports surfaced that two judges resigned, with one alleging potential rigging, though organizers firmly denied any impropriety. Meanwhile, Thai authorities investigated accusations that online casinos had been illicitly promoted as part of the event’s publicity campaign. While none of these issues halted the competition, they contributed to the sense of a beleaguered pageant navigating a cascade of crises.

Less serious mishaps also occurred, including a moment that went viral when Miss Universe Jamaica, Gabrielle Henry, slipped off the stage during the evening gown competition. She was not seriously injured, returning later to acknowledge the fall with good humor.

For a pageant no stranger to global controversy, from geopolitical criticism to judging disputes, the 2025 edition stood apart for how a single confrontation reshaped the narrative. What began as a tense exchange during a routine ceremony became the defining moment of the event, elevating Bosch not only as a contestant but as a symbol of defiance against public humiliation.

As Bosch wore the crown for the first time, she stood not just as Miss Universe 2025 but as the face of a turbulent week that sparked discussions about respect, agency, and the evolving identity of the modern beauty queen.

 Gunmen Abduct More Than 200 Schoolchildren and 12 Teachers in Attack on Nigerian Catholic School

By
admin
-
0

Gunmen stormed a Catholic boarding school in western Nigeria early Friday and abducted more than 200 schoolchildren along with 12 teachers, according to the Christian Association of Nigeria, marking one of the largest mass kidnappings in the country in recent years.

The attack unfolded at St. Mary’s School in the Papiri community of Agwara local government area. Daniel Atori, spokesperson for the Niger state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria, said 215 pupils and students were taken, in addition to a dozen staff members. He said he met with distressed parents at the school on Friday and vowed that the organization would work to secure the children’s safe return.

The Niger State Police Command said the abductions took place in the early morning hours and confirmed that military and security personnel have been deployed to the area. Authorities described St. Mary’s as a secondary school but satellite imagery shows a large compound with more than 50 classroom and dormitory structures connected to an adjoining primary school along a main road between Yelwa and Mokwa.

Families in the community say children as young as 7 were among those taken. Dauda Chekula, 62, said four of his grandchildren were abducted and that he has not received any information about their whereabouts. He said children who escaped ran in different directions and that residents believe the attackers are moving the remaining captives deeper into the bush.

A statement from the secretary to the Niger state government confirmed the abduction occurred despite earlier intelligence warnings of increased threats. Officials criticized St. Mary’s for reopening without notifying the state government or seeking authorization and said that decision exposed students and staff “to avoidable risk.”

Local residents said the school had only informal community security and no permanent police or military presence at the time of the attack. The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora said a security staffer at the school was “badly shot” during the assault.

The attack comes amid a wave of abductions targeting schools, churches and travelers across northern and central Nigeria. Authorities ordered the immediate closure of 47 federal unity colleges located in conflict-affected regions, according to a directive issued by the Federal Ministry of Education. The closures are intended to prevent additional mass kidnappings.

Friday’s abductions occurred just days after gunmen seized 25 schoolgirls from a high school in the neighboring Kebbi state. One girl escaped, but the rest remain missing. In another attack Monday in Kwara state, gunmen killed two worshippers at a church and abducted 38 others. Church officials said kidnappers are demanding 100 million naira, or about $69,000, per victim.

President Bola Tinubu canceled a planned trip to the Group of 20 summit in South Africa following the surge in violence. Vice President Kashim Shettima will represent him instead. During a visit to Kebbi state, Shettima promised that authorities would use “every instrument of the state” to rescue the abducted schoolgirls and ensure the perpetrators face justice.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks in Niger and Kebbi states. Analysts say heavily armed gangs—many of them former herders who turned to kidnapping after years of clashes with farming communities—routinely target schools and isolated villages for ransom. The trend has intensified since Boko Haram militants abducted 276 schoolgirls in Chibok more than a decade ago, an incident that drew global outrage. More than 1,500 students have been kidnapped across the region since then.

While the government has rejected allegations from U.S. President Donald Trump that Christians are being specifically persecuted in Nigeria, analysts note that victims include both Christians and Muslims in northern regions where armed groups operate with little resistance.

Residents say a lack of prosecutions and corruption that weakens the security forces have allowed mass kidnappings to flourish. Families say they are often left to negotiate ransoms themselves. Lagos influencer Eze Gloria Chidinma, known as “Riaz Kitchen,” said her sister escaped the attack at St. Mary’s by climbing a fence. She said her mother and brother were kidnapped last year and that authorities offered little assistance.

“My message to the authorities is to think about the people,” she said. “Your job is to protect lives and properties. People’s lives should matter to you.”

Yohanna Buru, a pastor who leads the Peace Revival And Reconciliation Foundation, urged the government to increase protection for schools in high-risk regions. He said rampant kidnappings reflect a broader failure to address insecurity.

“If the government was doing enough, then rampant kidnappings all over the country would not have happened,” Buru said. “It’s as if they don’t care about the future of our children.”

5 Killed and Hundreds Injured After 5.5 Earthquake Strikes Bangladesh

By
admin
-
0

At least five people, including a child, were killed and more than 450 others injured Friday after a 5.5 magnitude earthquake rattled Bangladesh, sending residents fleeing into the streets and causing structural collapses across several districts.

The quake struck near the Narsingdi district, roughly 30 kilometers from the capital, Dhaka. Buildings shook throughout the city, and makeshift structures gave way as residents rushed out of homes, offices and dormitories. At Dhaka University, at least 10 students were hurt in a stampede as they tried to escape shaking buildings.

Syeda Rizwana Hasan, an environmental adviser to the government, said the country had not experienced an earthquake of similar strength in the past five years. Authorities confirmed that three of the deaths occurred in Dhaka’s Armanitola neighborhood after a railing and debris fell from a five-story building, according to deputy police commissioner Mallik Ahsan Uddin Sami.

Nitai Chandra De Sarkar, director of the monitoring division for the disaster management department, said 461 injuries had been reported nationwide. Gazipur district, north of the capital, accounted for 252 of those injuries. Sarkar said authorities are focused on assessing casualties and damage and have not yet encountered widespread rescue operations involving collapsed structures.

Residents described intense shaking that jolted buildings throughout Dhaka. Bengali Sadman Sakib told Reuters he had never felt a tremor like it in his 30 years and said office furniture rattled before workers ran into the street. A student named Abdullah said he woke to his “whole building shaking.”

Tremors were also felt across eastern Indian states bordering Bangladesh, though no major damage was reported there.

The earthquake briefly halted Ireland’s second cricket test match in Bangladesh. Coaches and players stepped away to the boundary, while spectators sought shelter in the stands. Play stopped for about three minutes before resuming. Ireland head coach Heinrich Malan said the shaking brought back memories of earthquakes he experienced in New Zealand and added that the team was thinking of those affected in Bangladesh as assessments continued.

Robbers Overpower Guard and Steal Dozens of Ancient Gold Coins From Swiss Museum

By
admin
-
0

Swiss authorities continued searching Friday for two robbers who attacked a security guard at a Roman-era museum in Lausanne, shattered a display case and fled with dozens of ancient gold coins in a swift and targeted heist.

Police said the pair bought entry tickets and waited until the museum had nearly emptied shortly before closing time Tuesday. Investigators said the suspects assaulted and restrained the guard before smashing the display case containing the coins. Officials have not disclosed the monetary value of the stolen pieces but emphasized that the items hold significant archaeological importance.

The robbery occurred as global gold prices remain elevated, even after easing from recent highs, and follows a high-profile theft at the Louvre in Paris that raised concerns about museum security across Europe.

Authorities said the museum employee, a 64-year-old Swiss national, was questioned by investigators and was not injured during the incident. No visitors or additional staff were present at the time of the theft.

State prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation. Lausanne city officials filed a legal complaint over the damage to the museum, and the regional government, which owns the gold coins, announced plans to submit a separate criminal complaint as the search for the suspects continues.

AP

Court sentences Nnamdi Kanu to life imprisonment

By
Simeon Bateren
-
0

ABUJA, Nigeria (BN24)— The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, to life imprisonment after convicting him on all seven counts of terrorism-related offences. Justice James Omotosho delivered the ruling in Nigeria’s capital, concluding that the evidence presented was sufficient to sustain each charge.

In the judgment, Omotosho imposed life sentences on counts one, two, four, five, and six, opting for life imprisonment rather than the death penalty requested in the filings. The court also sentenced Kanu to 20 years in prison on count three and five years on count seven, both without the option of a fine.

The sentences followed the court’s determination that Kanu was responsible for multiple acts described in the charges, bringing a legal end to a closely watched case that has drawn national and international attention. Justice Omotosho issued the decision after reviewing the prosecution’s submissions and formally entering convictions on all seven counts.

Israeli Strikes in Gaza Kill at Least 28 Palestinians, Hamas Warns of ‘Dangerous Escalation’

By
Simeon Bateren
-
0

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (BN24) — Israeli airstrikes across Gaza late Wednesday night killed at least 28 Palestinians, including nine children, marking the latest escalation in violence between Israel and Hamas. The strikes, which came after several Hamas militants reportedly fired on Israeli soldiers in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, have reignited fears of a breakdown in the fragile ceasefire that has held since late October.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the airstrikes targeted Hamas positions in retaliation for the attack on Israeli forces, calling the fire on its soldiers a “violation of the ceasefire agreement.” Despite the escalation, the IDF reported no casualties among its personnel. In response, Hamas condemned the strikes as a “dangerous escalation” and rejected Israel’s version of events, accusing the IDF of fabricating justifications for its ongoing military actions. Hamas also urged the United States to apply “immediate and serious pressure” on Israel to stop its offensive and to adhere to the ceasefire terms.

Health officials in Gaza confirmed that nine children were among the dead, with at least 77 others injured, some critically. The deadliest airstrike occurred in the Zaytun area of eastern Gaza, where 10 people, including a woman and a child, were killed. Another strike targeted a group of civilians in a west Gaza neighborhood near Khan Younis, specifically hitting the UNRWA club, a site operated by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.

This is the third major escalation since the ceasefire began in October 2024. Previous incidents, also triggered by attacks on Israeli soldiers, resulted in the deaths of approximately 150 Palestinians and three Israeli soldiers. Despite these flare-ups, the ceasefire has generally held since its implementation.

The violence follows Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza after the October 7 attack by Hamas, during which nearly 1,200 Israelis were killed, and over 250 people were taken hostage. Since that attack, Gaza’s health ministry has reported over 69,000 Palestinian deaths, with the majority of casualties being women and children.

In accordance with the first phase of the US-brokered ceasefire agreement, Hamas has released all living hostages and the bodies of all but three of the deceased. Meanwhile, Israel has agreed to withdraw from some parts of Gaza and release certain Palestinian prisoners. While tensions remain high, there have been calls for further peace efforts and international mediation.

In a related development, Israel carried out additional airstrikes on southern Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah weapons storage sites. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said these strikes targeted Hezbollah’s rocket unit, although no casualties were reported. Earlier on Tuesday, an Israeli airstrike on a Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon killed 13 people, further escalating tensions along Israel’s northern border.

Despite a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah, brokered in November 2024, violence along the border has continued, with Hezbollah and other Palestinian factions in Lebanon intensifying attacks on Israeli targets. These latest incidents underscore the fragility of the peace agreements and the growing risks of a wider regional conflict.

As international leaders call for restraint, the situation in Gaza and southern Lebanon remains volatile, with no clear end to the conflict in sight.

Train Collision in Czech Republic Leaves 57 Injured, 4 Dead After Head-On Crash in Pardubice

By
Simeon Bateren
-
0

PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC (BN24) — A catastrophic train collision in the Czech city of Pardubice late Wednesday night has left at least four people dead and 57 others injured, including nationals from Ukraine and Slovakia. The collision, which involved a high-speed passenger train operated by private company RegioJet and a freight train, occurred on a busy rail corridor crucial for domestic and international travel.

According to Czech Interior Minister Vít Rakušan, the crash took place just after midnight on a major track connecting Prague to eastern parts of the country. The passenger train, en route to Kosice in Slovakia and continuing to Chop, Ukraine, was carrying 380 passengers at the time of the incident. The freight train, which was reportedly traveling in the opposite direction, collided head-on with the passenger train near Pardubice, approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles) east of Prague.

The immediate aftermath of the crash was devastating. Four people have been confirmed dead, including two Ukrainian women and two Slovak women, whose nationalities were confirmed by their respective foreign ministries. The Czech government has not yet released the names of the victims.

Among the injured, none are considered to be in life-threatening condition, though emergency responders described the scene as chaotic, with many passengers requiring immediate medical attention. The two survivors in critical condition were taken to nearby hospitals in Pardubice, where they are receiving intensive care.

The cause of the collision is still under investigation, with preliminary reports suggesting that the driver of the passenger train failed to stop at a stop signal. Martin Drápal, a spokesperson for the Czech state agency responsible for investigating train accidents, said that investigators are still working to determine whether human error or a technical malfunction contributed to the crash. It remains unclear whether there were any communication issues between the trains involved or if weather conditions played a role.

Authorities confirmed that both train drivers survived the crash, though details on their conditions have not been disclosed. The impact of the crash caused significant damage to both trains, with the passenger train derailing and the freight train’s cargo spilling onto the tracks.

Transport Minister Martin Kupka said that the primary rail corridor between Prague and the eastern regions of the country had to be closed for several hours following the incident. The critical rail route was not fully reopened until about nine hours later, causing significant disruptions to travel in the region. Czech Railways advised passengers to avoid using the route for the entire day, urging them to seek alternative travel options.

The section of track in Pardubice where the crash occurred is one of the busiest and most important for both Czech domestic travel and international connections, making the crash particularly impactful. This portion of the rail system is vital for commuters traveling between Prague and eastern parts of the Czech Republic, as well as for international trains heading to Slovakia and Ukraine.

The Czech government has expressed its condolences to the families of the victims, with Prime Minister Petr Fiala calling the collision “a big tragedy.” In addition, the Czech government has pledged to ensure accountability and investigate the causes of the crash thoroughly.

RegioJet, the private company operating the passenger train, has expressed its deep sorrow over the incident. Owner Radim Jančura said in a statement that the company is ready to compensate the passengers affected by the crash and will cooperate fully with the investigation.

In a statement issued Thursday, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry confirmed that two Ukrainian nationals were among those killed in the crash. An official from the Ukrainian Consulate in Brno, Czech Republic, was dispatched to the scene of the accident to assist with the investigation and provide support to the victims’ families. Ukraine’s embassy in Prague is also in close contact with Czech authorities to ensure that the investigation proceeds smoothly and that the families of the deceased are notified.

The Slovak Foreign Ministry similarly confirmed the deaths of two Slovak women in the collision, and a representative was sent to offer support to their families.

As authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, the Czech government has promised to address any potential safety lapses that may have contributed to the tragedy. The Czech Railways, along with the state agency investigating rail accidents, are reviewing all available evidence, including train signal records, communications between the train conductors, and possible maintenance or operational issues.

This deadly collision highlights ongoing concerns about rail safety, particularly regarding the safety systems in place to prevent such catastrophic accidents. The Czech Republic has a well-developed rail network, but incidents like this serve as a stark reminder of the risks associated with high-speed rail travel.

The investigation is ongoing, and more details are expected to emerge in the coming days as authorities work to piece together the circumstances that led to the crash.

Bush lauds Dick Cheney as a ‘thinker and listener’ at funeral

By
Simeon Bateren
-
0

WASHINGTON, D.C. (BN24)— Political leaders from across the ideological spectrum gathered at Washington National Cathedral on Thursday to bid farewell to one of the most influential vice presidents in American history, Dick Cheney. Cheney, who passed away at the age of 84 from complications related to pneumonia and vascular disease in early November, was remembered for his pivotal role in shaping U.S. foreign and domestic policy during the George W. Bush administration.

The funeral was marked by emotional tributes from political figures, including former President George W. Bush, who worked closely with Cheney for eight years. In his eulogy, Bush painted Cheney as a steady and reflective figure in an often tumultuous political landscape. “In a profession that attracts talkers, he was a thinker and a listener,” Bush said. “Dick was the kind of man who, when he spoke, you listened.” The former president reflected on their personal and professional bond, describing Cheney as “everything a president should expect as a second-in-command.”

The eulogy emphasized Cheney’s thoughtfulness and strategic mind, qualities that shaped the policies of the Bush administration, particularly in the wake of the September 11 attacks. Cheney was widely credited as one of the chief architects of the “war on terror,” a policy that led to the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan and later Iraq. Despite his influential role in shaping the country’s response to terrorism, Cheney’s legacy remains deeply divisive, with critics citing his support for enhanced interrogation techniques and the Iraq War as controversial decisions that continue to spark debate.
Cheney’s tenure as vice president from 2001 to 2009 made him one of the most powerful individuals to ever occupy the office. Bush’s tribute acknowledged the challenges of leading during a period of intense global conflict. “Dick was there every step of the way,” Bush said, noting Cheney’s crucial role in formulating U.S. security policy post-9/11. “He was a steady hand in moments of uncertainty and a trusted advisor who never wavered in his dedication to the country.”

Bush also shared a personal moment, recalling Cheney’s offer to step aside during the 2004 re-election campaign. “I concluded they don’t come any better than Dick Cheney,” Bush stated. “He was loyal, honest, and an indispensable part of my presidency.”
While the funeral was primarily a solemn occasion for Cheney’s family and close colleagues, the presence of political figures from both major U.S. political parties underscored the far-reaching impact of Cheney’s career. Among the mourners were Democratic figures like Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Joe Biden. Harris, who received Cheney’s endorsement in the 2020 election, was accompanied by other former vice presidents, including Mike Pence and Al Gore, further highlighting Cheney’s broad influence across the political spectrum.

The ceremony also provided an occasion for political reconciliation, with attendees setting aside partisan differences to honor Cheney’s service to the nation. However, the absence of key figures, including former President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, was notable. Cheney had become increasingly critical of Trump, particularly after the 2020 election, when he condemned Trump’s refusal to accept the election results and his role in the January 6 Capitol riot. Cheney’s daughter, Liz Cheney, a former congresswoman from Wyoming, was also estranged from Trump, as she became a vocal critic of the former president’s actions and rhetoric.

Former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, both Democrats, did not attend, but their absence did not overshadow the presence of those who had worked with Cheney during his years in power. The gathering, though marked by political differences, was united in its respect for Cheney’s profound influence on U.S. policy.


As the nation bids farewell to Dick Cheney, his legacy remains one of profound significance. From his role in advancing U.S. military interventions to his controversial stances on national security, Cheney’s influence continues to reverberate in American politics today. Yet, despite the complexities of his career, those who knew him best were quick to recognize his dedication, integrity, and commitment to his country. In his eulogy, George W. Bush noted that Cheney was “the kind of man who didn’t seek the spotlight but always knew when to stand firm for what was right.”

Cheney’s death marks the end of an era for American political history, one in which the role of vice president was transformed from a largely ceremonial position into a powerful force in shaping national policy. His impact on U.S. foreign policy and national security is undeniable, and his life and work will continue to be studied and debated for years to come.

16 Prospective Corps Members Killed in Fatal Accident on Way to NYSC Camp in Gombe, in Nigeria

By
Simeon Bateren
-
0

GOMBE, NIGERIA (BN24) — Sixteen prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) were killed in a devastating road accident while en route to their orientation camp in Gombe State. The crash occurred when the 18-seater bus they were traveling in collided with another vehicle or lost control on a dangerous stretch of road. Two others from the same group survived the accident but remain in critical condition at a local hospital.

The victims were all graduates of Adeyemi Federal University of Education (AFUED) in Ondo State, who had been traveling from their home state to the NYSC camp in Gombe for the mandatory three-week orientation program. The accident took place on a major highway, though the exact location of the crash has not been confirmed.

Emergency responders arrived at the scene shortly after the crash, recovering the bodies of the deceased and evacuating the injured to a nearby medical facility. The survivors are currently receiving intensive medical care, and their condition remains critical.

Authorities, including the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash. No official statement has yet been issued by the NYSC management regarding the incident, but local officials have expressed their condolences to the families of the victims.

This tragic accident brings attention to the ongoing concerns about road safety in Nigeria, particularly for those traveling between states for educational and national service purposes. The NYSC, which is a nationwide program requiring graduates to serve in different states, has witnessed several similar accidents over the years, raising questions about the safety of transportation for young Nigerians on their way to orientation camps.

As investigations continue, the FRSC is expected to provide more details on the circumstances surrounding the crash.

 US Raises Reward for Ex-Olympian Turned Drug Lord as Canada Arrests Seven Linked to Fugitive

By
admin
-
0

The United States has raised the reward for information leading to the arrest of former Olympic snowboarder Ryan Wedding, an accused drug kingpin now considered one of North America’s most dangerous traffickers, as Canadian authorities announced the arrests of seven individuals tied to his operation.

FBI Director Kash Patel said at a news conference in Washington on Wednesday that the State Department increased the bounty for Wedding to $15 million, up from $10 million. Patel described the 44-year-old Canadian as a “modern-day iteration of Pablo Escobar,” invoking the Colombian cartel leader killed in 1993. Wedding, listed among the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives, is believed to be hiding in Mexico.

Patel said investigators have linked Wedding to an expansive “narco-trafficking and narco-terrorism program” of a scale federal authorities have not encountered in years. Wedding was indicted in 2024 on charges including conspiracy to distribute and possess cocaine, conspiracy to export cocaine and conspiracy to commit murder. FBI agent Akil Davis said Wedding, who competed in the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics and placed 24th in the parallel giant slalom, is regarded as “extremely violent” and “extremely wealthy.”

Attorney General Pam Bondi said Wedding has become Canada’s largest distributor of cocaine, moving an estimated $1 billion worth of narcotics annually. Investigators allege he works closely with Mexico’s Sinaloa Cartel and transports roughly 60 metric tonnes of cocaine each year through truck routes leading into Los Angeles from the southern border.

Bondi vowed that authorities would pursue Wedding until he is brought into custody, saying his operation has fueled catastrophic drug-related harm across North America. She underscored that US officials are determined to hold him accountable for the violence linked to his network.

On Tuesday, Canadian officials announced the arrests of seven individuals accused of participating in Wedding’s drug-smuggling enterprise. Among them is Toronto lawyer Deepak Paradkar, whom investigators say advised Wedding that killing a witness in a pending criminal case could result in dismissal of charges. The witness was later shot five times in the head and killed at a restaurant in Medellin, Colombia, in January 2025.

Assistant US Attorney Bill Essayli said Wedding placed a bounty on the witness in the mistaken belief that eliminating him would collapse the case and protect his trafficking ring from extradition and prosecution. Essayli said the move instead intensified the international investigation.

Bondi said the United States is offering a separate $2 million reward for information leading to the capture of those involved in the Medellin killing.

Another man arrested in Canada, identified as Gursewak Singh Bal, is accused of operating a fabricated news website called The Dirty News. Federal authorities allege Bal was paid to publish photographs of the witness and his wife ahead of the slaying to help the killers track them down.

US officials said they are seeking the extradition of all seven suspects arrested in Canada. Three additional individuals connected to the Medellin murder were detained earlier in the United States.

Michael Duheme, commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, said Wedding remains one of the most significant threats to public safety in Canada. As part of Operation Giant Slalom, the US Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Asset Control also announced financial sanctions targeting Wedding and his network, aiming to disrupt the organization’s international reach.

1...140141142...989Page 141 of 989