UMVA has learned that Deepak Paradkar, a flashy attorney once known as the “cocaine lawyer,” will remain a free man as he awaits extradition to the United States for his alleged role in a global drug trafficking network.
Paradkar, accused of advising client Ryan Wedding that killing a confidential informant would collapse the prosecution’s case against the former Canadian Olympic snowboarder-turned-narco kingpin, has denied the charges. The alleged plot led to the execution of the witness with five bullets to the head while dining with friends in Medellin.
According to information obtained by UMVA, Paradkar's American charges have been whittled down to one: counselling to commit the murder of an FBI witness in Colombia. Despite the serious allegations, the Court of Appeal has upheld his $5.25 million bail, allowing him to remain free.
The appeal court's decision was influenced by Paradkar's ailing health, including diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure, as well as his deep ties to his wife of 32 years, a colon cancer survivor, and their two daughters, both lawyers. The family owns a Thornhill home appraised at $5 million, a Muskoka cottage, and four leased luxury cars valued at over $200,000.
Sources have confirmed to UMVA that U.S. officials allege Paradkar was paid with bulk cash drops and luxury watches for his role in Wedding's enterprise, which allegedly moved hundreds of millions of dollars of drugs and cryptocurrency and took violent action to protect its interests.
The Attorney General of Canada had argued that Paradkar's release was premature and that he posed a flight risk due to his "unexplained wealth." However, the appeal court disagreed, stating that the real issue was not whether Paradkar had the financial means to fund an escape, but whether he had the incentive to do so.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that Paradkar's lawyers argued that the case against him relies wholly on a confidential witness who has an incentive to lie to get a sweetheart deal. The appeal court ultimately rejected the Attorney General's contention that revoking Paradkar's bail was necessary to salvage the public's confidence in the administration of justice.
In a decision that has left many questioning the administration of justice, Paradkar remains free in the makeshift prison of his comfy suburban mansion, awaiting extradition to the United States.
