Federal authorities say fugitive Tommy Demorizi, wanted in connection with the Ryan Wedding criminal enterprise, was taken into custody Tuesday at Newark Liberty International Airport. Investigators had already flagged him on a federal arrest warrant and publicly warned that he should be considered armed and dangerous. According to officials, FBI agents, working with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, made the arrest at the New Jersey airport.
Arrest Linked to Multinational 'Operation Giant Slalom' Probe
Prosecutors say Demorizi’s arrest is part of a long-running international investigation dubbed "Operation Giant Slalom," which has already produced multiple indictments and arrests across North America, according to the Department of Justice. The department describes the probe as targeting Ryan James Wedding’s network, alleged shipments of bulk cocaine, and violent retribution against cooperating witnesses.
Charges on the Federal Warrant
Federal authorities had previously listed Demorizi on a public wanted poster tied to a federal arrest warrant issued Oct. 28, 2025, charging him with conspiracy to distribute and export cocaine, murder in connection with a continuing criminal enterprise, and witness tampering. According to the FBI, he is accused of "assisting the Enterprise with locating a witness who was later murdered," and the notice warns that he should be considered armed and dangerous.
What Authorities Say About the Airport Arrest
"Demorizi was arrested by FBI & CBP Agents today at Newark International Airport," the FBI Los Angeles field office posted on X, linking to the wanted file and urging anyone with information to contact the bureau. The post from FBI Los Angeles was the first public notice of the arrest.
Broader Operation and Fallout
Prosecutors and the FBI have described the case as international in scope, citing dozens of indictments and seizures tied to the broader probe and the alleged murder of a cooperating witness in Medellín. In its announcement, the Department of Justice also highlighted multijurisdictional cooperation with Canadian and Colombian partners.
Next Steps for Prosecutors
Because the federal arrest warrant was issued in the Central District of California, Demorizi now faces federal processing and likely transfer to Los Angeles to answer the indictment, according to information posted by the FBI. The online wanted notice from the FBI lists the charges, travel cautions, and a tip line for anyone with relevant information.
