Today, lawyers will present their arguments at a bail hearing for an Ontario man facing charges of money laundering for an international drug trafficking network. Rolan Sokolovski, a jeweler and former professional poker player, is requesting release pending his extradition trial. Sokolovski, along with seven other Canadians, was arrested in connection with an investigation targeting Ryan Wedding, a former Team Canada snowboarder accused of heading a billion-dollar drug smuggling operation.
According to U.S. authorities, Sokolovski played a key role in managing finances for the criminal group, using his jewelry business, Diamond Tsar, to launder drug proceeds. The 37-year-old is said to have significant cryptocurrency and assets, raising concerns about flight risk and public safety.
During a recent court appearance in Toronto, prosecutors delved into Sokolovski’s financial affairs and scrutinized the individuals willing to supervise him if he is granted bail. The identities of these potential supervisors are withheld to safeguard their security.
Wedding, a former Winter Olympian, faces charges of coordinating the trafficking of large quantities of cocaine from Colombia to Canada through Mexico and the U.S. His organization is also accused of orchestrating attacks on perceived threats to its operations.