The Mercedes was sold for a high price of $11.9 million US to a buyer known to be involved in money laundering for an international criminal group.
Recent findings by CBC News shed light on the acquisition of a rare Mercedes-Benz supercar last year, which has since been seized by the FBI during their investigation into Canadian fugitive Ryan Wedding.
The seizure of the 2002 CLK-GTR Roadster, a unique vehicle considered highly desirable by car enthusiasts, has been highlighted as the most valuable automobile ever confiscated by U.S. federal authorities. Valued at $13 million US, the silver car was purchased for $11.9 million US last year and was one of only six of its kind ever produced.
Records obtained by CBC News show that the Mercedes was purchased by Rolan Sokolovski, a jeweller from the Toronto area recently identified by U.S. authorities as one of Wedding’s primary money launderers.
The vehicle’s acquisition on Aug. 8, 2024, was facilitated by Sokolovski’s company, Diamond Tsar, which is alleged to have been a front for Wedding’s criminal activities involving vast sums of drug money.
Sokolovski, alleged to have managed cryptocurrency transactions and procured assets like jewelry and vehicles for Wedding, was reportedly a key player in Wedding’s criminal enterprise worth $1 billion US.
The 37-year-old Sokolovski, along with another individual, is said to have played a pivotal role in Wedding’s intricate global money-laundering operation, as outlined by the U.S. Treasury Department.
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Wedding, believed to be evading authorities in Mexico, is subject to a $15 million reward for information leading to his capture.
Street-Ready Race Car
The Mercedes, with a mere 22-kilometer mileage, remains in pristine condition.
The transaction, involving two luxury car dealerships in Missouri and Florida, saw Sok
