A Toronto judge has granted bail to a former Ontario defence lawyer accused by U.S. authorities of advising fugitive Ryan Wedding to murder a federal informant, calling strict house arrest conditions the best way for the accused “to stay alive.”
Deepak Paradkar, 62, was released Tuesday ahead of an extradition hearing on multiple charges in the United States, where prosecutors allege he helped Wedding — a former Canadian Olympic snowboarder — run a cross-border cocaine trafficking network and eliminate threats to the organization.
In a 33-page decision, Superior Court Justice Peter Bawden said the strongest assurance Paradkar would attend court and follow his bail conditions was the risk to his own safety if he did not.
“Fleeing the country is so obviously contrary to his interest,” Bawden said, adding that while the FBI’s case may be strong, it appears to rely heavily on a co-operating witness and is therefore “certainly defendable.”
Paradkar was among several Canadians arrested in November following an extradition request from the United States as part of an FBI investigation into Wedding’s alleged drug empire — described by law enforcement as a billion-dollar-a-year operation that traffics cocaine into Canada and orders killings of rivals.
U.S. court records allege Paradkar helped secure drug transportation networks, gathered intelligence after seizures and used his position as a lawyer to obtain information about arrests and potential informants. The most serious allegation, the judge said, is that Paradkar counselled Wedding to have an informant killed.
That witness, Jonathan Acebedo Garcia of Montreal, was shot dead in Colombia in January.
At an earlier bail hearing, Crown attorney Heather Graham argued Paradkar posed a danger to the public and had an “extraordinary” incentive to flee, given the possibility of life in a U.S. prison.
Defence lawyer Ravin Pillay countered that the flight risk argument was speculative, saying there was no evidence Paradkar had the resources or contacts to escape. Paradkar testified he would never abandon his wife and two daughters and had nowhere to go.
Justice Bawden agreed that Paradkar had met the burden of showing his detention was not necessary to protect the public or ensure his attendance in court.
Paradkar’s health was a key factor in the decision. He has diabetes and a serious cardiac history, and Bawden said he would inevitably need medical care only available at major hospitals.
“It’s unrealistic” to believe he could seek treatment without being identified, the judge said.
The court also placed heavy weight on Paradkar’s bail plan, which relies on his wife, Mandy Paradkar, as his primary surety. The couple agreed to put a lien on their home, valued at $5 million, to secure his release, while another surety — Mandy’s cousin — pledged $250,000.
Bawden described Mandy Paradkar as “an excellent surety” who would strictly supervise her husband. He told her directly in court that Paradkar “is only getting out because of you. Period.”
Under the bail order, Paradkar must surrender his passport, remain under house arrest and wear a GPS monitor. He is barred from using electronic devices, except his wife’s cellphone and only in her presence.
Paradkar, who has practised law since the mid-1990s, recently had his licence suspended by the Law Society of Ontario. He appeared in court Tuesday wearing a navy suit and dark turtleneck, with salt-and-pepper hair and a thick grey beard. After his handcuffs were removed, he smiled and gave a thumbs-up to someone in the courtroom.
As the hearing concluded, Bawden addressed him directly: “Mr. Paradkar, prove me right.”
“I will, your honour,” Paradkar replied.
None of the allegations against him have been proven in court. Pillay has previously denied the claims on his client’s behalf, and both declined to comment Tuesday.
Bawden also questioned the Crown’s assertion that Paradkar would flee, noting that U.S. authorities’ case depends heavily on a single co-operating witness who has admitted involvement in murder.
If Paradkar were to run, the judge said, Wedding “may also have an equal interest in eliminating him.”
Wedding, 44, is believed to be hiding in Mexico. Authorities recently released new photos in an effort to locate him.
Graham argued that if released, Wedding would be “highly motivated” to prevent Paradkar from becoming a co-operating witness himself. She suggested Wedding might continue to use Paradkar for legal advice, even though his licence has been suspended.
But Bawden rejected that notion, calling it “madness” and saying it was “impossible” on the facts before him.
According to U.S. court filings, Paradkar was known within Wedding’s circle as “Deepaj Emergency” and “cocaine_lawyer,” referencing his longtime Instagram handle. Prosecutors describe him as an “integral member” of the operation.
Still, Bawden said his foremost concern now is Paradkar’s safety.
“If he does get bail,” the judge said, “his first priority has got to be staying alive.”