FBI and U.S. Department of Justice officials have taken significant steps in a sweeping crackdown on former Olympic snowboarder and alleged drug lord Ryan Wedding, who is currently on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list. Canadian defense attorney Deepak Paradkar has been arrested as part of this operation, accused of advising Wedding to kill a witness to achieve the dismissal of charges. This case represents a major development in the U.S. government’s efforts to dismantle a large-scale drug trafficking network linked to a former Olympian. The DOJ alleges that Paradkar, along with Wedding’s accomplice Andrew Clark, facilitated a murder plot in an attempt to shield the criminal enterprise from legal action. This has raised serious ethical concerns regarding the role of defense attorneys in facilitating illegal activities that go beyond the scope of their professional duties.
The indictment against Paradkar includes allegations of violating attorney-client privilege by allowing Wedding and Clark to eavesdrop on communications with other clients. The FBI and DOJ have confirmed that these actions were not only a breach of professional ethics but also a direct violation of the trust expected from legal professionals. The U.S. Treasury reportedly issued sanctions against Paradkar, highlighting the severity of the alleged misconduct and its broader implications for the legal community. This case has drawn scrutiny not only for the illegal activities of the fugitive but also for the role of the defense attorney in enabling these crimes. The indictment also details how Paradkar allegedly introduced Wedding to a network of drug traffickers that facilitated the smuggling of cocaine through Colombia and Mexico, with the intention of distributing it across North America. The use of cryptocurrency by Wedding to hide his wealth has further complicated efforts to track the extent of his criminal enterprise.
Ryan Wedding, 44, is alleged to have orchestrated the January 2025 murder of a federal witness in Medellin, Colombia. The victim was shot dead in a restaurant after Wedding posted photos of him online on a now-deleted website called ‘The Dirty News.’ This action was reportedly intended to suppress evidence against Wedding and his alleged drug trafficking organization. The DOJ has raised the reward for his capture to $15 million, emphasizing the gravity of the case and the threat posed by a fugitive who is described as an ‘extremely violent criminal’ responsible for multiple murders in North America and Latin America. The investigation into Wedding also includes charges of coordinating a November 2023 double homicide in Ontario, which the FBI claims was a mistaken-identity killing involving an innocent couple. Additionally, Wedding is accused of orchestrating the murder of another individual in May, allegedly over a drug debt, further demonstrating the scale of his alleged criminal activities.
This case has sparked widespread condemnation, not only within law enforcement but also in legal circles, for the role of professionals in enabling such extensive criminal operations. The arrest of Paradkar serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of ethical breaches by legal professionals, particularly in cases where the legal system is being manipulated for personal gain. The FBI and DOJ have underscored the need for accountability, not only for the individuals involved in the alleged crimes but also for those who aid and abet them. The investigation into Wedding represents a broader effort to dismantle organized drug trafficking networks that are often linked to high-profile individuals, including former athletes. This case also highlights the challenges of enforcing the rule of law in international contexts and the importance of collaboration between U.S. and international law enforcement agencies in addressing transnational crimes.