TORONTO — An Ontario lawyer accused of playing a key role in an international drug smuggling network was granted bail in a downtown Toronto courtroom Tuesday ahead of his extradition hearing.
Deepak Paradkar, 62, is one of several Canadians arrested last month for extradition to the U.S. as part of an FBI investigation targeting the former Olympic snowboarder and alleged Canadian drug kingpin Ryan Wedding, now accused of leading a violent criminal organization.
It’s alleged the Thornhill, Ont., lawyer advised Wedding on the murder of a federal witness, introduced the former athlete to drug traffickers who moved product through North America and directed intelligence gathering after drugs were seized by law enforcement.
Federal prosecutors argued Paradkar has “extraordinary” incentive to flee if released on bail as he faces multiple life sentences if found guilty in the U.S. The Crown further argued that if released, Paradkar would likely continue to communicate with the alleged criminal organization and no bail condition could manage this risk.
His defence lawyer, meanwhile, argued Paradkar has no ties to any other country and put his family’s finances on the line to support his release. Paradkar’s lawyer also argued that his client has deep roots in the community, and would not break bail conditions that would put his wife and daughters at risk.
Superior Court Justice Peter Bawden said in his decision that he found it “very unlikely” that Paradkar would attempt to go underground in Canada, and attending court and complying with his bail terms may be his only way to stay alive.
“The most compelling reason to find that Mr. Paradkar will not flee is that it is so obviously contrary to his interests to do so. The case that he faces may be strong, but to the extent that it depends upon the word of a co-operating witness, it is certainly defendable,” said Bawden.
“If he flees and is caught, he will never again have a chance for bail.”
Bawden further pointed to Paradkar’s ailing health and testimony from his wife that she would ensure Paradkar complies with the bail conditions. He added that Paradkar has no criminal record and was not subject to any court order at the time of the alleged offences.
Paradkar proposed to place himself under a number of conditions if granted bail, including 24/7 house arrest, GPS monitoring and no access to electronic devices unless in the presence of his sureties.
Bawden said in his decision that he was “satisfied” with the plan and felt confident it would promote compliance.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 23, 2025.
Rianna Lim, The Canadian Press
