The Mercedes was sold for a hefty $11.9 million US, a price tag that didn’t deter the buyer, an alleged money launderer connected to an international criminal network. Recently, the FBI seized the rare Mercedes-Benz supercar bought last year, shedding light on the ongoing investigation involving Canadian fugitive Ryan Wedding. This high-profile seizure, marked as the most valuable vehicle ever confiscated by U.S. federal authorities, gained global attention. The roofless 2002 CLK-GTR Roadster, a rare gem in the automotive world sought after even by the likes of Drake, is one of just six units ever manufactured. The FBI disclosed that this silver beauty was valued at $13 million US, surpassing its purchase price by $1.1 million US, as highlighted in a recent social media post.
The bill of sale, obtained by CBC News, reveals that Rolan Sokolovski, a jeweller from the Toronto area, acquired the vehicle last year. Sokolovski, identified by U.S. authorities as one of Wedding’s key money launderers, reportedly managed extensive amounts of cryptocurrency for Wedding’s criminal enterprise through his company Diamond Tsar. The purchase agreement, dated August 8, 2024, bears Sokolovski’s signature and lists Diamond Tsar as the buyer, showcasing his involvement in Wedding’s alleged illicit activities.
Although it remains uncertain if Wedding directly orchestrated the purchase, the vehicle aligns with the intricate network highlighted by the U.S. Treasury Department, indicating an elaborate scheme to launder the proceeds of Wedding’s illicit drug trade. Wedding, a former Olympic snowboarder turned fugitive, is believed to be hiding in Mexico, with a substantial reward offered for his capture.
The Mercedes, with only 22 kilometers on the odometer, was part of a transaction involving two exotic car dealerships from Missouri and Florida. Curated Vintage Supercars in Miami was set to receive the Mercedes upon a $2 million deposit by Sokolovski, awaiting full payment of the $11.9 million purchase price. The dealership later showcased the CLK-GTR as a significant addition to its collection, praising its historical significance and performance capabilities.
This road-legal marvel, featuring a potent 6.0-liter V12 engine delivering 612 horsepower and a top speed of 335 km/h, is not just a sports car but a street-legal race car. The CLK-GTR was Mercedes’ response to the FIA GT Championship series requirements in the 1990s, designed as a limited-production model for public roads.
Despite auctioning off seized high-value assets being a common practice, the fate of the Mercedes remains uncertain. An FBI spokesperson confirmed that details of the seizure are currently sealed, leaving the final outcome of the luxury vehicle undetermined. The investigation into Wedding’s criminal enterprise continues, shedding light on the intricate global money-laundering operations intertwined with high-profile individuals like Sokolovski and Tiepolo.
