Ontario lawyer linked to Ryan Wedding investigation released on bail ahead of extradition hearing

An Ontario lawyer accused by U.S. authorities of assisting a major international drug trafficking network connected to former Olympic snowboarder Ryan Wedding has been granted bail while awaiting an extradition hearing.

Deepak Paradkar, a 62-year-old lawyer from Thornhill, Ont., was arrested last month as part of a cross-border investigation led by the FBI. U.S. prosecutors allege Paradkar played a significant role in supporting Wedding, who is accused of leading a violent criminal organization operating across North America.

Court documents allege Paradkar advised Wedding in connection with the killing of a federal witness, facilitated introductions to large-scale drug traffickers and coordinated intelligence efforts after narcotics shipments were intercepted by law enforcement. Wedding has been the focus of multiple investigations tied to organized crime and international drug smuggling routes.

Federal prosecutors opposed Paradkar’s release, arguing he faces an extraordinary incentive to flee if extradited, citing the possibility of multiple life sentences if convicted in the United States. Defence counsel countered that Paradkar has no international ties and emphasized that his family has pledged significant financial guarantees to secure his compliance.

As part of his release, Paradkar agreed to strict bail conditions, including 24-hour house arrest, GPS monitoring and limits on electronic device use unless supervised by approved sureties. His extradition proceedings are expected to continue in the coming months.